RANGERS directors today revealed they are “shocked” and “share the incredulity and anger” of supporters at the charges issued by the SFA following the Scottish Cup final in May.

Tony McGlennan, the SFA compliance officer, has cited both Hibernian and Rangers for causing damage to LED screens and advertising hoardings around the Hampden pitch.

The Easter Road club is facing further action because their fans damaged goalposts and ripped up turf following their first win in the tournament in 114 years.

Criminal proceedings against individuals responsible for attacks on Rangers players and staff, Hibernian supporters and Rangers fans are currently ongoing.

SFA sources claim the absence of strict liability – where clubs are held responsible for the behaviour of their supporters – prevented them from charging Hibs and Rangers with unacceptable conduct.

But in a statement on their official website, Rangers hit out at the governing body for its “alarming” response to the unrest. The statement read: “Rangers directors are shocked at the charges issued by the Scottish FA’s Compliance Officer in the wake of the pitch invasion at the end of the Scottish Cup final last May.

“It is alarming that the governance of Scottish football is so lacking that it is impossible for the Scottish FA to guarantee the safety of footballers at the country’s showpiece event. The SFA is either unwilling or is powerless when it comes to taking the appropriate punitive action against the offenders.

“A number of Rangers players were assaulted by Hibernian supporters in broad daylight on the Hampden surface and a repeat of this must be avoided at all costs. That should have been the priority of the SFA.

“Yet, the governing body insists it is not within its remit to issue any charges let alone punishments for such violent and dangerous misconduct. Instead of player and supporter safety they have placed all their emphasis and importance on the monetary value of a set of goalposts, pieces of turf, and advertising boards.

“Rangers Directors will take time to consider an appropriate and more comprehensive response to redress our grievances but for the moment the board fully endorses the incredulity and anger of all Rangers supporters.”