SFA charge for Steve Simonsen
Steve Simonsen marks the latest
ugly episode in the on-going scurrilous soap opera that is Rangers, as the
Ibrox stopper finds himself charged by the SFA for gambling, an offence north
of the border as all forms of betting are outlawed within football under SFA
rule 33.
Following on from Ian Black’s
similar charge (and conviction) for the same offence, Simonsen faces a threat
to his Ibrox future as a cull of the playing staff is underway, with this
latest episode hugely threatening his tenure in Govan.
Simonsen has been a somewhat
divisive figure in his time at Ibrox, and many fans would not be overly gutted
to see the back of him, but it is yet more negative publicity Rangers could do
without.
Rangers have said:
“The club is aware of the SFA’s notice
of complaint and is currently investigating the matter.”
Early reports suggest his offence
was carried out via Ladbrokes, and with one of their shareholders being Celtic’s
majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and their lawyer also sharing duties with
that of Celtic, and the SFA, there is the suggestion of a conflict of
interests.
But this is borderline irrelevant
– nothing but bad news ever seems to prevail from Rangers these days.