Allan McGregor escapes SFA punishment

4 September 2018, 15:05 | Updated: 4 September 2018, 15:09

Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor will face no action over the apparent kick he aimed at Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer during Sunday's Old Firm clash.

The Scotland custodian appeared to lash out at his Hoops rival during a first-half flash-point at Parkhead.

The pair had just tussled after McGregor leapt from his line to punch away a Callum McGregor free-kick when the Ibrox number one threw a leg out towards young Norwegian Ajer, brushing his boot against the defender's hip.

The incident was missed by referee Willie Collum at the time but McGregor was expected to face punishment when the footage was reviewed by Scottish Football Association disciplinary chiefs.

However, the three former match officials who were consulted on the matter could not come to a unanimous agreement to forward the case on to the SFA's Fast Track proceedings.

And that means McGregor - who went on to make a string of crucial saves as he limited Celtic to a 1-0 triumph in the opening derby battle of the season - is now free to face Dundee at Ibrox on September 15.

The news that his keeper has escaped punishment may come as a surprise to Gers boss Steven Gerrard, who admitted the 36-year-old had been lucky to stay on the pitch.

Speaking after his first defeat since taking over in the summer, he said: "He's lashed out. Of course I will speak to him about it."