Celtic speak out to the Daily Record over Fran Alonso attack
Soccer Football - Scottish Premiership - Rangers vs Celtic - Ibrox, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - January 2, 2023 Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson, former Celtic CEO Peter Lawwell, Rangers chairman Douglas Park and Rangers honorary Life President John Greig pay their respects during a service on the anniversary of the 1971 Ibrox disaster in which 66 people died, outside the stadium before the match Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Celtic have told the Daily Record that last night’s post match attack on Fran Alonso was below an acceptable standard.
That seems to be something of an understatement to describe an employee being headbutted from behind.
Alonso had just watched and celebrated a late goal to give the Celtic women’s team a 1-1 draw in the Glasgow derby. As he made his way to the centre of the pitch, shaking hands with players from both teams he was head butted by Craig McPherson, assistant manager of the Ibrox ladies.
The match was shown live by Sky Sports with the incident captured, afterwards Alonso and Ibrox counterpart Malky Thomson asked about it in post match interviews.
At 11.26am the Daily Record reported:
The Parkhead club have spoken out after the controversial scenes at the end of their SWPL 1 derby with Rangers. Ibrox coach Craig McPherson appeared to headbutt Alonso in a fiery end to the fixture with the Celtic women boss also stating he was called “a little rat” after the confrontation which has subsequently been condemned across the game in the aftermath. A Celtic spokesperson commented: “Clearly this is a hugely concerning incident, falling well below any acceptable standard.
“We understand the matter is now being investigated and it will be up to all relevant authorities to take any appropriate action.” A Police Scotland spokesperson also confirmed that they would be looking into the scenes: “We have received a report regarding an incident at Broadwood Stadium on the evening of Monday, 27 March, 2023. Enquiries to establish any criminality are at an early stage.”
Last night’s draw helped neither side as they attempt to catch up with league leaders Glasgow City.
With the SWPL looking for publicity and attention in a bid to raise standards McPherson’s actions are disastrous, crossing a line that probably hasn’t been seen before in the Scottish game despite a long history of hot headed managers.