Rangers midfielder Pena avoids action over Docherty incident

Rangers midfielder Carlos Pena will not be punished for his off-the-ball clash with Hamilton's Greg Docherty.

Carlos Pena
Published 4th Oct 2017

The Mexican found himself at the centre of elbowing allegations after TV footage appeared to show him swinging his arm at Docherty during last Friday's 4-1 Gers win.

But Pena has now been told he will face no action after Scottish Football Association compliance officer Tony McGlennan decided against raising a case ahead of Tuesday's 3pm deadline for the governing body's fast-track disciplinary process.

Gers have also received an apology from the organisers of their cancelled showdown with Benfica.

The Ibrox side were invited to take part in the Portuguese giants' annual Eusebio Cup clash, with the game scheduled to take place this Friday in Hamilton, Canada.

But the match was called off with just six days' notice, with the organisers of the match Elite Soccer Entertainment (ESE) blaming poor ticket sales for their decision.

With Rangers still considering legal action, ESE have now admitted the clubs were not to blame.

In a statement, the firm said: "Elite Soccer Entertainment would like to apologise to the fans, SL Benfica & Rangers Football Club for the match cancellation of the 2017 Eusebio Cup.

"Due to unforeseen reasons and poor ticket sales it was not possible for ESE to meet the commitments acquired towards Benfica and Glasgow Rangers under the terms and conditions that were agreed upon.

"This situation goes beyond the control or responsibility of any of the clubs above mentioned.

"ESE has the utmost respect for Benfica, Rangers and especially the fans. There has been numerous rumours and speculations blaming Rangers supporters for not purchasing enough tickets. That is a false statement and Elite Soccer Entertainment would like to put it to rest.

"We deeply regret what has happened, and we would like to extend our sincerest apologies for any inconveniences that may have been caused to the clubs involved and to their supporters."

Meanwhile, Aaron Nemane says he did not have to think twice about singing for Rangers.

The 20-year-old has moved to Gers on a six-month loan from Manchester City and admitted joining up with boss Pedro Caixinha's squad was too good a chance to miss.

He told the Rangers website: "I spoke to my agent, I spoke to the people at City and then the people at Rangers who made it clear they wanted me, and you can't say no to Rangers.

"I want to get some first-team experience as I've not had that at City. I'm a very direct player who likes to get on the ball, make chances, get assists and score goals.

"The training sessions are completely different to what they are like at City. It is always good to learn from experienced players and to learn from them and get some stuff from them in terms of the way they play.

"The manager has been good and is very, very demanding, and that's what you want as he wants to win.