Naismith’s two-match ban accepted by Rangers

In what is the first high-profile case for Scottish Football Association’s new fast-track justice system Naismith has been punished for a flailing elbow which hit Austin McCann in the face as the pair jostled for position at a corner.

The incident, missed by the referee Iain Brines at the time, was captured by the television cameras. The footage set in motion the SFA’s recently up-dated disciplinary procedures. The SFA compliance officer had until 3pm on the second working day after the incident to decide whether or not there was a case of excessive misconduct to answer, under Article 14.4 of the new rule book.

Rangers were informed by email yesterday that there was a case to answer. Naismith was offered a two match suspension, which is equivalent to the automatic suspension that would have applied had the referee reported this offence. The suspension applies immediately to the club’s next two first team matches, irrespective of competition.

Although Rangers had until tomorrow to appeal the decision the club decided, following their own review of the footage, to accept the penalty. An appeal would have been heard by a three-man panel on Thursday. However, Rangers accepted the offer of a fixed penalty ahead of a panel, comprised of members of a pool of former players, managers, referees and legal experts, being convened. In a statement