Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor axed by Rangers and banned by Scotland

Apr 3 2009

THE Rangers and Scotland careers of Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor are over in the wake of their night's boozing and schoolboy antics while on international duty.

Rangers today fined each of the pair two weeks' wages - £60,000 for Ferguson and £40,000 for McGregor - and suspended them for a fortnight.

And tonight the SFA revealed Ferguson and McGregor have been banned from ever representing Scotland again.

Scotland boss George Burley dropped them for the crucial World Cup qualifying tie against Iceland on Wednesday, but stopped short of banning them.

However, their two-fingered salutes during Scotland's 3-0 win proved too much for Rangers to accept.

Ferguson was also stripped of the captaincy - which has been handed to David Weir - and although their bans are for only two weeks both know their careers at Ibrox are over.

Rangers boss Walter Smith said: "Obviously what happened last Sunday with Scotland players is regrettable. Then we had an incident on Wednesday with two players from our own club and that's what we have had to act on.

"We have to respect the fact that George (Burley) will handle the international part of it but certainly from our own point of view it is regrettable that we had a few players involved in that situation.

"The most disappointing aspect for me was the subsequent reaction on the bench and from the club's point of view I don't think that was a good image to portray."

The SFA issued a statement yesterday in which Smith backed Burley's handling of the affair.

After their binge at the Scotland squad's HQ in the early hours of Sunday morning, Smith had warned Ferguson and McGregor to get their acts together and respect the international team as well as Burley.

They failed to do so and so Smith has acted even though the SPL season has entered a critical final stage.

The SFA yesterday claimed the matter was closed but acted tonight by announcing Ferguson and McGregor will no longer be considered for international selection.

The SFA have been besieged by phone calls and e-mails from Scotland fans.

It is understood the negative reaction from supporters and supporters' groups added to the pressure for the matter to be discussed again.

Following a further meeting between chief executive Gordon Smith and manager George Burley, sanctioned by the SFA board, it was decided neither player would play for Scotland again.

An SFA spokesman said: "In light of the events of the past 48 hours and following further discussions between the national team manager and the chief executive, it has been decided that Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor will no longer be considered for international selection by Scotland.

"This action has been taken in the best interest of the squad, the fans and the country.

"We are determined to qualify for the World Cup and we must ensure that nothing is allowed to distract us from achieving this goal."

Veteran defender David Weir has been handed the Rangers captaincy but admitted the loss of the duo would be a blow this weekend.

He said: "Obviously, I'm pleased to be captain - I've stepped in in the past when Barry hasn't been available.

"But, obviously, I would rather Barry was the captain.

"Barry and Allan missing the game is a big loss for us; they are two big players and everyone in the dressing room is disappointed.

"They are two friends as well - that's the most disappointing thing.

"They are lads that we work with every day, we like them, and it's not great to hear this."

He added: "There's been no impact on the squad, but obviously if Barry and Allan aren't playing, that's going to have an impact on the team.

"But it's only just happening so it's hard to comment."

Ferguson and McGregor hit the headlines earlier this week when they embarked on an eight-hour boozing session inbetween vital World Cup qualifying matches while on duty with Scotland.

The pair were dropped for Wednesday night's win over Iceland by Scotland manager George Burley for a breach of team discipline.

However they further inflamed the matter when they were pictured making V-signs during the match while sitting on the bench.

Taken from the Daily Record