Rangers hit with Scottish FA charge over Celtic clash and join Hibs in the dock over Easter Road touchline flashpoint

Rangers have been hit with two Scottish FA charges over the conduct of staff and players during matches in December.

One charge relates to December 29’s Old Firm victory over Celtic, with the other for their 3-0 win over Hibs.

Both Rangers and Hibs have been cited under Rule 204 for a touchline incident between the two’s coaching staff at Easter Road on December 20.

The flashpoint resulted in the Edinburgh side’s assistant John Potter and Ibrox coach Tom Culshaw being dismissed to the stands.

Rule 204 states that clubs should ensure that officials, staff, employees and players “conduct themselves in an orderly fashion at all times during and/or after a match”.

The clubs face a fine if the charges are proven, and the two individuals have each been charged with misconduct under Rule 203 and face suspension.

The Old Firm charge includes the dismissal of coach Michael Beale from the touchline.

Beale faces a touchline ban after being cited individually for misconduct under Rule 203.

The two charges for Rangers have a principle hearing date of February 6, as do the charges faced by Hibs, Potter, Culshaw and Beale.

The full wording of Rule 204 states: “All Clubs and recognised football bodies shall procure that its officials, Team Staff, employees and players conduct themselves in an orderly fashion at all times during and/or after a match.

“In particular, Clubs and recognised football bodies are responsible for ensuring that its officials, Team Staff, employees and players refrain from any one or a combination of the following: (a) becoming involved in a confrontation (b) conduct that is likely to lead to or to exacerbate or prolong a hostile or argumentative situation with players and/or team staff from the opposing team and/or match officials (c) conduct that may otherwise incite disorder.”

Gestures made towards the crowd by Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos during the Old Firm game also caused controversy, with the SFA saying Morelos received a booking for the gesture he made towards Celtic fans as he walked off the pitch after being red-carded by referee Kevin Clancy.

Neither player has been cited in the round of charges issued today.