Rangers: Philippe Clement baffled by SFA decision as Ibrox fine to be paid within days

Philippe Clement has been left baffled by the decision to not overturn the red card handed out to Rangers midfielder Jose Cifuentes against Dundee on Saturday (9 December).

Speaking on Wednesday (13 December) ahead of the Gers' Europa League game against Real Betis, the Belgian said he was "surprised" at the decision as none of the Dee players "reacted at the time" in the 3-1 victory at Ibrox.

He added that it is "disappointing" to lose the 24-year-old Ecuadorian after the SFA told the Light Blues they must pay the £500 fine within the next 30 days after losing their appeal.

Makes no sense

The decision made very little sense at the time as there was absolutely no intent from Cifuentes to injure the player and it wasn't exactly a strong challenge.

The Ecuadorian dangled a leg and unfortunately caught the Dundee man, but it was nothing more than a yellow card at the absolute most.

Rangers must have been reasonably confident that the decision would be overturned after submitting an appeal against the decision.

But it has come as a real blow for Clement that he won't be able to call upon Cifuentes for the Viaplay Cup final against Aberdeen on Sunday (17 December) as he has several injuries in midfield to contend with.

The Gers boss is going to have to find a way to get the most out of the players he does have available for that clash as there is no way they can afford to come away with anything other than a victory.

In other Rangers news, Clement has made an exit decision on one player ahead of the January transfer window.