Rangers keeper banned for breach of betting rules

Rangers goalkeeper Steve Simonsen has been banned for two games, one suspended, after being found guilty of betting on 55 games following a hearing before an independent panel.

Although none of the games involved the Glasgow Championship side, Simonsen’s actions breached Scottish Football Association gambling rules.

The notice of complaint issued to Simonsen by the SFA detailed bets on 18 matches last season and 37 in the current campaign. SFA disciplinary rule 33 prohibits players, coaches, club officials and referees in Scotland from betting on football anywhere in the world.

It could be argued that he got off lightly compared to his Rangers teammate Ian Black who received a 10 game ban (seven suspended) and a fine of £7,500 back in September 2013, although he had bet on far more games, some of which involved Rangers.

The English FA also brought in a similar ban last year, effectively banning anyone involved in the game from betting on any form of the game, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see similar penalties applied south of the border before too long.