RANGERS manager Ally McCoist has admitted he can understand why Ian Black has reacted badly to "ridiculous" challenges.

The Ibrox boss was disappointed his star retaliated and picked up a needless booking after being fouled in the 1-0 win over Airdrie last week.

The central midfielder went over the disciplinary points threshold as a result of the incident.

And he will now be suspended for the SPFL League One match against Forfar Athletic at Station Park on Monday week.

But the Gers boss feels the former Inverness Caley Thistle and Hearts player is subjected to some appalling treatment by rival players at times.

Speaking to the official Rangers website, McCoist said: "Ian comes in for a bit of heavy treatment.

"I said to him after the game at Airdrie that he can't react the way he reacted there and everybody appreciates that.

"Some of the challenges on him though are ridiculous and watching back that game, there were a couple that fell into that category.

"Ian's just one of these players for us. He has certainly been fouled and he gets his fair share of fouls on him.

"The reaction he gave at Airdrie and the booking he got was disappointing, but there was part of me which could understand his frustration as the tackle on him was very poor.

"Ian is doing well for us overall which is the main thing.

"He will be missed in Forfar. He's given us stability in the middle of the park."