Rangers coach issues 'full & unreserved apology' for headbutting Celtic boss

Rangers Women coach Craig McPherson has unreservedly apologised for headbutting Celtic boss Fran Alonso following a dramatic Old Firm draw on Monday.

Celtic's Caitlin Hayes scored a 99th-minute equaliser to get a 1-1 draw in the televised clash, and it lit tensions between the two sides. After the final whistle, McPherson approached Alonso, before headbutting him from behind.

Following the match, Rangers confirmed that they would investigate the incident. Police Scotland and the Scottish FA both confirmed that they were looking into the matter.

The club has now issued a statement from the 52-year-old coach, stating that he will accept whatever punishment is handed down for his actions following the Scottish Women's Premier League clash.

In the statement, McPherson said: 'I would like to offer a full and unreserved apology for my actions.

'I know I have severely let myself, our team, and the club down.

'I hold myself to the highest of standards and have never done anything like this before in a long coaching career, and I know I fell way short of those with my actions.'

McPherson also revealed that he had spoken to Alonso personally to apologise for the incident, and that the Celtic manager had accepted it.

The coach also said that he had been speaking to the board, staff and players at Rangers to discuss the matter, having failed to meet their 'incredibly high standards'.

He added: 'I simply want to apologise today, convey my massive regret and explain how out of character this moment has been for me.'

McPherson faces a Scottish FA hearing on April 13.

Celtic's last-gasp point on Monday leaves then in second place in the Scottish Women's Premier League, trailing table-toppers Glasgow City by eight points.

Rangers, managed by Malky Thomson, sit third in the table, a point behind Celtic.