RANGERS have hit back at Raith Rovers for their ‘spurious claims’ regarding Ryan Hardie’s recall from Scotland Under-19 duty.
And the Light Blues say the statement from their Championship rivals could have ‘besmirched the honour’ of assistant manager David Weir.
Raith are unhappy that Rangers will be able to field Hardie for the league fixture at Ibrox tomorrow while Craig Wighton remains on 19s duty with Scot Gemmill’s side and is in line to face Bulgaria today.
Herald Sport revealed on Thursday that Rovers were offered the same opportunity as Rangers by the SFA after they made their request to have Hardie released from international duty.
And the Gers have today hit back at the Kirkcaldy club after they called for the SFA Compliance Officer to investigate the case.
A statement said: “Rangers FC insists there are no grounds for Raith Rovers’ allegation that a rule breach may have been committed by the Club.
“Rangers also consider that Raith Rovers' spurious claim could have besmirched the honour of assistant manager David Weir by making specific reference to him.
“Neither Rangers nor David Weir acted wrongly in requesting the return from Under-19 Scotland duty of Ryan Hardie ahead of tomorrow’s Ladbrokes Championship match against Raith Rovers. This was done with the approval of the SFA, within the rules and in the full knowledge that Raith Rovers would be offered the same opportunity to bring Craig Wighton, their loan player from Dundee, home.
“They declined but then issued a statement alleging Rangers has somehow broken the rules. This action is baffling.
“Rangers, as many other clubs have done in the past, acted within the rules and the very thought that David Weir, who served his country with great distinction winning 69 caps, might have been trying to undermine an international side is preposterous.
“Rangers has also written directly to Raith Rovers Chief Executive Eric Drysdale seeking to understand his Club’s motive behind such vexatious action and an apology to David is the very least Raith Rovers should be offering.”
Hardie has only made one substitute appearance for Rangers this season but will now be considered for selection against Ray MacKinnon’s side tomorrow afternoon.
Rovers were left unhappy at a perceived injustice and called for an enquiry yesterday before it became evident they had been given a chance to recall Wighton early.
A Raith statement said on Thursday: "Ahead of Saturday’s Ladbrokes Championship match versus Rangers at Ibrox, Raith Rovers FC has today asked the Scottish FA’s Compliance Officer to consider whether he agrees that Rangers FC, through David Weir, have breached SFA Articles and Rules by requesting and securing the early release of its player Ryan Hardie from international duty with Scotland Under 19s in Bulgaria, for the sole reason that he is then available to play against Raith Rovers.
"Raith Rovers FC also has an important player in the same Under 19 squad, 1st team regular Craig Wighton, and Craig remains in Bulgaria and available for selection for Friday evening’s national representative match. He will fly home with the rest of the squad on Saturday afternoon.
"We are delighted that Craig is receiving international recognition, and whilst we are without his services for the crucial match with Rangers, our loss is Scotland’s gain.
"Naturally we are concerned that if there is any breach of Article 82.1 and Rules 56 & 57, this would – in these circumstances – result in an unfairness in terms of players available for selection for Saturday’s match, which is to our disadvantage."
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