KENNY McDOWALL admits he is 'surprised' to see the SFA Compliance Officer appeal the betting ban handed to keeper Steve Simonsen.

The 35-year-old was hit with a one-game suspension, with a further one match suspended until the end of the campaign, after breaching Hampden guidelines on gambling.

Simonsen was punished after placing wagers on a total of 18 fixtures last season and a further 37 games during the current term.

But Compliance Officer Tony McGlennan has challenged the ruling and is now set to appeal the decision of the panel that handed down Simonsen's punishment, claiming that the ban was 'unduly lenient'.

An Appellate Tribunal will now be convened and the Ibrox keeper could be set for a further ban if that panel deems his sentence was not harsh enough.

In Simonsen's absence, Lee Robinson came into the side against Hibernian and, after retaining his place for the win at Raith, he has now established himself as first choice.

Boss McDowall said: "I am a bit surprised by that, to be honest with you. I just find it unbelievable that someone from the SFA can bring it back up again after they've appointed a panel who made a decision on it. And now they [the Compliance Officer] isn't happy with that decisions.

"So, what's the point of it? Steve took his ban and he thought that was him, ready to go. It's the first time they've done this, but should we be surprised?

"Steve is frustrated as he lost his place to Lee Robinson because of this, so he's got that to contend with. And to then get this news on top of that isn't ideal when you're trying to get your place back.

"But he's been working away fine. He's an experienced lad so he will be fine."