Jon Flanagan charged by SFA over elbow on Scott Brown

Rangers defender Jon Flanagan faces a ban for elbowing Celtic captain Scott Brown after Sunday’s incident was picked up by the Scottish Football Association compliance officer.

The full-back was booked by referee Kevin Clancy for striking Brown just before a Celtic corner during his side’s 2-0 victory at Ibrox.

But compliance officer Clare Whyte decided the incident warranted further action.

Three former category one match officials all agreed Flanagan was guilty of violent conduct, meaning he faces a two-match ban.

Rangers can accept the punishment or challenge it at a hearing on Thursday.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon was adamant Flanagan should have been sent off at the time.

Speaking after the game, Lennon said: “It’s a red card. Again. How the referee has not given that as a red card I don’t know. It’s an elbow into his face.”

Flanagan would miss Sunday’s final Ladbrokes Premiership match of the season at Kilmarnock, as well as the first league game of next term.

The former Liverpool player would be the fourth Rangers player to be hit with a suspension for incidents involving Brown in two games.

Alfredo Morelos was sent off for elbowing the Celtic skipper and Ryan Kent got a retrospective ban for striking the midfielder in the previous encounter.

Andy Halliday received a second yellow card after that game for confronting Brown over his post-match celebrations, incurring a ban that allowed Flanagan to regain his place in the starting line-up.

FourFourTwo Staff

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