Rangers to appeal Aluko ban for diving

Sone Aluko of Rangers was today given the option of a two match ban for his “alleged” dive at the weekend, or go to appeal.

Aluko won a penalty at the weekend with what looked to me a clear dive after, at best, being brushed by a Dunfermline defender as he burst into the box. The face he took two steps before throwing himself to the ground made it look a clear case of simulation.

The SFA Compliance officer today offered Rangers and Aluko the opportunity to take a two match suspension for the offence or appeal by 3pm tomorrow, but Rangers have already taken this option.

A fast track hearing will take place on Thursday to review the case.

Personally I am unsure what this tells us about this process, as I said above it looked a clear dive to me, another glaring mistake by a referee (one of many this season).

Having watched it over and over again, I can’t see what Rangers grounds for appeal can be! I also can’t see what they gain from appealing (apart from a Gary O’Connor type decision once again), and could lose the player for longer if they fail.

It can only be the precedent of the O’Connor incident from earlier in the season that can be giving Rangers any hope. This one also looked a clear dive but the offence was quashed setting up this type of appeal, meaning two wrongs will never make a right.

We can only hope the fast track panel get it right this time, although I get the feeling if Aluko is found guilty we will get a whole host of conspiracy theories from one side of Glasgow, and if he is found not guilty, well, exactly the same!!