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Page last updated at 11:12 GMT, Sunday, 17 May 2009 12:12 UK

Old Firm trio face SFA punishment

Charlie Mulgrew and Kyle Lafferty

Lafferty feigns head-butt injury

Kyle Lafferty's simulation, which led to a red card for Aberdeen's Charlie Mulgrew, has been referred to the Scottish FA's disciplinary committee.

The Rangers forward has already offered an apology for his play-acting and he has been fined by his club.

Celtic duo Glenn Loovens and Scott McDonald will also have to answer to the same SFA panel that will convene before the start of next season.

The pair were involved in challenges that went unnoticed by match officials.

Loovens caught Rangers' Maurice Edu after making a clearance during Celtic's 1-0 defeat at Ibrox on 9 May, while McDonald was involved in a late tackle on Dundee United's Lee Wilkie three days later.

Last Saturday, Lafferty collapsed in a heap after squaring up to Mulgrew, giving the impression that he had been head-butted.

The SFA's review panel studied footage of all three incidents and decided that they merited further scrutiny from a disciplinary committee, who will deliberate on possible punishments.

In the case of Lafferty, it is the first time the SFA has taken such action, invoking the same rule that led European governing body Uefa to punish Lithuania's Hearts midfielder Saulius Mikoliunas for diving in a game against Scotland.

Celtic's Glenn Loovens tackle on Edu (2)

Archive - Loovens tackle on Edu

"It was something I should not have done and I deeply regret what happened," Lafferty told Rangers' website.

On hearing his challenge was to be examined, Dutch defender Loovens expressed surprise, saying: "I'm a hard player but also fair.

"I just went in for the ball and at some point my leg had to come down to land on the ground.

"Edu went off for treatment and I spoke to him as soon as he came back on. I said sorry, asked if he was okay and he told me he was fine.

"I really don't know what all the fuss is about."



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see also
SFA praises Rangers over Lafferty
19 May 09 |  Scottish Premier
Rangers fine play-acting Lafferty
18 May 09 |  Rangers
SFA to probe McDonald challenge
13 May 09 |  Celtic


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