Craig McPherson, the coach of Rangers Women, was handed a six-game suspension by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) after he headbutted Celtic manager Fran Alonso. The incident occurred on 27 March 2021 following a dramatic 1-1 draw in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.
McPherson, 52, released a statement on 1 April in which he expressed his regret and apologised for his actions. He stated that he would accept any punishment handed down by the SFA and that he had let himself, his team, and the club down.
The incident occurred after Celtic had rescued a point with the last kick of the match by Caitlin Hayes, leaving them second in the SWPL, eight points behind leaders Glasgow City. As players and staff were shaking hands, McPherson butted Alonso from behind.
The SFA’s disciplinary rule 77 prohibits the use of violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour. McPherson admitted to breaching this rule and was immediately issued with a six-match suspension.
McPherson’s actions have been widely condemned by both the footballing community and the public alike. His suspension serves as a reminder that such behaviour is not acceptable in football and will not be tolerated.