Football: Rae charged by UEFA

Rangers midfielder Alex Rae is facing the possibility of a six-game European ban if found guilty of gross unsporting conduct by UEFA.

The European governing body have charged the 34-year-old after an incident during the Light Blues' Champions League qualifying defeat by CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.

The former Wolves and Sunderland man was caught up in a tussle with Serghei Dadu and appeared to kick the CSKA man in the head as he lay on the ground in the 79th minute of the game.

Dutch referee Jan Wegereef did not include the incident in his official match report but UEFA have acted after reviewing a videotape of the game.

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The thing these lower end clubs do to compete in matches. Amazing how lenient the punishment is, a 6 game ban, which I completely agree with. If this happened in Canada the police would get involved.

ie: points to the Bertuzzi incident. lol at how that went down. A huge blow to the NHL. If Bertuzzi gets banned a lot of fans will turn from hockey, as it is being converted into a sissy sport.

Websurfer....

Rangers play in the Scottish leagues and are one of the best clubs.

Alex Rae has always benn a hothead and i'm not surprised it has got him in trouble. It's about time they cracked down on players and maybe this will send warning signals to others to cut out the crap and get on with the Football.

The Rangers hierarchy will make a decision on any appeal to UEFA over the five-game ban imposed on Alex Rae on Tuesday morning.

The Ibrox club will consider their position tonight after the 34-year-old was hit with the punishment for gross unsporting conduct by the European governing body.

The former Wolves and Sunderland man was involved in a challenge with CSKA Moscow man Serghei Dadu during the Champions League third-qualifying round, first leg in Russia last week.

Rae appeared to kick the midfielder in the head as he challenged for the ball.

The incident was not included in the report from referee Jan Wegereef, who missed the 79th-minute incident.

But UEFA have studied video evidence of the incident to punish Rae.

The club are expected to appeal against the decision ahead of the deadline at midnight on Thursday.

Rangers have lodged a formal appeal to UEFA over the five-match ban imposed on midfielder Alex Rae.