Scotland and Rangers fans hit out at Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor over boozing session

Apr 1 2009

DROPPED Scotland duo Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor have come under fire from fans of both their club and country for their boozing session at the Scots' Loch Lomond base.

Representatives of the Tartan Army and Rangers supporters clubs have hit out at the players for letting down their fans, their country and their club.

The Rangers pair won't be in the starting line-up for Scotland's vital World Cup qualifier with Iceland at Hampden tonight after breaching team discipline.

It is understood Scots skipper Ferguson, 31, and McGregor, 27, were involved in a drinking session at their Loch Lomond base after returning from Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Holland in Amsterdam.

And John Macmillan, secretary of the Rangers Supporters Clubs, said: "They have let Scotland down, they have let the club down and they have let the fans down with their behaviour.

"They are two players who should have known better. I don't think George Burley had any alternative but to do what he has done.

"Frankly, I have no sympathy for either player."

Ferguson has won 45 caps, while goalkeeper McGregor earned his fourth cap when he made his competitive debut in Holland at the weekend.

Macmillan added: "Ferguson, in particular, is the Scotland captain and should have known better.

"In fact, anyone from the youngest member of the squad all the way through should know better."

His sentiments were echoed by Tartan Army leaders.

Tam Coyle, spokesman for the West of Scotland Tartan Army, said their behaviour was deflecting focus from a crucial match.

"They are following in the fine traditions of Scotland players from Jimmy Johnstone and the rowing boat incident in the early 1970s," joked Coyle.

"But seriously, it is very disappointing

"Anything that takes away from the focus of tonight's game is unwelcome.

"The manager appears to have had no choice, it seems that the two players have been given a wee bit of rope and they have taken a length.

"It will either stiffen the resolve of the players or it could be a draw or worse which could be the final nail in the coffin for Burley."

Tam Ferry, spokesman for the East of Scotland branch of the Tartan Army, also backed Burley's decision.

"We were driven to drink after that result on Saturday so I'm not surprised that the players were as well," he joked.

"But kidding aside, the manager obviously feels strongly about it.

"He must feel let down and that's why he has decided to discipline them.

"Maybe he is cutting is nose off to spite his face but we will see tonight.

"Craig Gordon will come and do a good job in goal but whoever replaces Ferguson will have a lot of responsibility.

"It's a game we need to win and if we don't then it could backfire on Burley because his results have not been the best."

Taken from the Daily Record