RANGERS have blasted the Scottish FA over the disciplinary process that has seen Bruno Alves hit with a potential two match ban and Motherwell’s Ryan Bowman escape punishment following a controversial Betfred Cup semi-final at Hampden.

Compliance Officer Tony McGlennan has offered Alves a suspension - which the Gers will appeal - after he allegedly kicked out at Steelmen striker Louis Moult.

But his Fir Park team-mate Bowman will face no action after he caught Fabio Cardoso with an elbow and left the Portuguese with a broken nose.

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Gers boss Pedro Caixinha was left incensed with the decision by referee Steven McLean and both he and Well counterpart Stephen Robinson were sent to the stands after a confrontation on the touchline.

The Portuguese has also been offered a one-match ban, while Robinson could be forced to watch the final with Celtic next month from the stands.

And the Light Blues have now fired a strongly-worded blast towards Hampden after the controversial disciplinary outcomes.

A Rangers spokesman said: “Rangers are shocked by this decision.

“In the minds of all fair-minded followers of football it will be seen as devoid of credibility and balance.

“Rangers are not seeking to make excuses for losing the match. Motherwell played to the referee’s whistle.

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“That is their right but there were many aspects of the match which cause concern, both for player safety and the way in which we want to encourage players to play the game.

“We do not seek to personalise our criticism. The officials have to be respected, even where we might dispute the decisions that they reach.

“We do, however, have several injured players after the game – one seriously. Yet, this decision has singled out only one player – a Rangers player – for punishment.

“We find this inexplicable. Are we being asked to believe just one player was guilty of violent conduct in Sunday’s game.

“If that is the case, then it is clear Rangers are being assessed to a different standard from others in the Scottish game.

“We believe the current system for referring matters to disciplinary tribunals requires radical overhaul.

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“It is too easy for those with agendas to pick over and highlight minor incidents in a game, whilst ignoring the reality of what took place during the game as a whole.

“We do not know and will not be told who referred this matter, nor what motivated them.

“So much seems to turn on whether or not a referee was looking at an incident rather than assessing what actually occurred.

“Incidents missed by a referee are judged to a far harsher standard than those observed by an official but called wrongly.

“Rangers share a common goal to all with the Scottish game at heart. We want to see good football. Referees have a crucial role in achieving that.

“We do not believe that the current referral procedure assists them or benefits the Scottish game.

“Those of us who care about the Scottish game share an interest in enabling players to play without fear of serious injury, rather than convening, with great solemnity, distinguished panels to adjudicate on matters the players themselves quickly shrug off as handbags.”