Speaking exclusively to This is Futbol, former Premier League referee, Mark Halsey, gave his verdict on Glasgow Rangers’ Kemar Roofe’s two-match ban and notice of complaint.
Following a high challenge on St Johnstone’s Murray Davidson in Gers’ 1-0 win last Wednesday, Roofe was originally shown a yellow card by the match official for the foul.
However, after a panel made up of three former referees deemed the challenge as “serious foul play” following the conclusion of the match, the striker was issued a notice of complaint by the Scottish Football Association and subsequently handed a two-match ban, which Rangers are contesting.
Although, speaking exclusively to This is Futbol, Mark Halsey claimed that he cannot see Rangers being successful in their appeal.
“Obviously, in the SFA rules, they can serve notice if the referee hasn’t seen the challenge in its entirety,” Halsey told This is Futbol. “So, I reckon Rangers are well within their right to appeal that notice. But, I think when the SFA serve a notice for a challenge of that nature, I can’t see Rangers winning an appeal, personally.”
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So, according to Halsey, it would not appear as if the former referee believes that Steven Gerrard’s side stand a very good chance of overturning Roofe’s ban, as the challenge made by the 28-year-old was a rather reckless one.
As such, with Alfredo Morelos also currently suspended until February 16, Gerrard could well have to make do without two centre-forwards who have scored a combined 23 goals in all competitions this season for his side’s Premiership fixture against Kilmarnock this Saturday.
However, with a 21 point lead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership table, it is doubtful whether alarm bells will be ringing for Rangers fans just yet.