Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor have
been banned from representing Scotland ever again and suspended
without pay for two weeks by Rangers.
The club handed out the maximum sanction available after
the pair were summoned to a meeting with chief executive Martin
Bain having been sent home from training earlier in the
day.
Both players were involved in a drinking session at Scotland's
team hotel at the weekend and then enraged club and national team
bosses by apparently making V-signs while on the bench after being
dropped for Wednesday's 2-1 win over Iceland at Hampden.
The Scottish Football Association claimed the matter was closed
on Thursday, but they have now announced Ferguson and McGregor will
no longer be considered for international selection.
The SFA have been besieged by phone calls and e-mails from
Scotland fans.
It is understood the negative reaction from supporters and
supporters' groups added to the pressure for the matter to be
discussed again.
Following a further meeting between chief executive Gordon Smith
and manager George Burley, sanctioned by the SFA board, it was
decided neither player would play for Scotland again.
Scotland boss George Burley insisted after Wednesday's game that
both players would still be involved in future squads.
But, following a summit between Burley and chief executive
Gordon Smith, the SFA have performed a dramatic u-turn.
An SFA spokesman said: "In light of the events of the past 48
hours and following further discussions between the national team
manager and the chief executive, it has been decided that Barry
Ferguson and Allan McGregor will no longer be considered for
international selection by Scotland.
"This action has been taken in the best interest of the squad,
the fans and the country.
"We are determined to qualify for the World Cup and we must
ensure that nothing is allowed to distract us from achieving this
goal."
Ferguson - who has been stripped of the Rangers captaincy - and
McGregor were called to a meeting with Bain at Murray Park, where
they were informed of the action being taken by the club.
Bain said: "The overall conduct of the players during the last
week while on Scotland duty has, regrettably, fallen considerably
short of the standards expected by Rangers Football Club and our
supporters and has brought the club into disrepute.
"The management of the club has taken the view that this has
damaged both Rangers and Scotland and is unacceptable.
"Even though our club is entering the critical stage of the
league season and the later stages of the Scottish Cup, appropriate
disciplinary action was required."
Rangers has agreed with the players that part of their deducted
wages will be donated to charity.
Both players issued an apology for their actions and spoke of
their disappointment that their international careers are now
over.
Ferguson said: "I deeply regret what happened last weekend and
the events during the last week and apologise wholeheartedly for
the embarrassment caused to Scotland, Rangers, both sets of
supporters and my friends and family.
"I have always considered playing for Rangers and Scotland an
honour and a privilege and nothing will change that and I am
bitterly disappointed by the announcement that I will not be
selected for Scotland again."
McGregor - who made his competitive debut against Holland on
Saturday - added: "I was absolutely delighted to be selected for
Scotland last weekend and I am deeply sorry over what has happened
since then.
"We all make mistakes in life and I am very disappointed to have
let Rangers, Scotland, my family, all the fans down.
"I am also desperately disappointed that I will not be selected
again for Scotland at this stage in my career."
