Ferguson and McGregor had been told they would not play for Scotland again

Tartan Army spokesman Hamish Husband says Scotland fans would welcome Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor back to the national team if they apologised.

The Rangers players were given lifetime bans from the national team for making rude gestures before the World Cup qualifying win over Iceland.

The Scottish FA said it had taken the step after receiving many complaints from angry fans.

"There is always a way back and that's by showing contrition," said Husband.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith later qualified the terms of the punishment meted out to goalkeeper McGregor and former Scotland captain Ferguson.

I believe the SFA is leaving the door open and it's up to them to show that they are really, really sorry Tartan Army spokesman Hamish Husband

When asked four days after the sanction was imposed if they could ever play for Scotland again, Smith said: "I can't answer that."

However, he did add that the ban will stand under the current SFA regime.

Husband says, despite the public outcry, there is a way both players could be accepted back by both the fans and the SFA.

"I believe the SFA is leaving the door open and it's up to them to show that they are really, really sorry. They haven't done that yet," Husband said.

"I'm not sure George Burley would have them back, but I think the fans would have them back.

"They should offer a proper apology and then vow to be the best players they can be.

"What the players have to do is face up to the fans and admit they have let both their club and their country down."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version