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SFA probes piper Gascoigne

Monday, January 5, 1998 Published at 15:08 GMT
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image: [ Paul Gascoigne's brilliance on the pitch has often been overshadowed by antics off it ]
SFA probes piper Gascoigne
The Scottish Football Association is to decide next week whether to discipline Paul Gascoigne for pretending to play the flute during Friday's Rangers-Celtic clash.

It is the second time the Rangers' midfielder has caused outrage by performing the loyalist gesture in front of a traditionally Catholic opposition.

A spokesman for the SFA, Andy Mitchell, said on Saturday: "We will have to wait until we see the referee's report before we decide to take any action."

But it is thought the association will not pursue the matter unless Strathclyde Police start an investigation.

Gascoigne first made the mime after scoring his first goal for Rangers in 1995.

The England international apparently repeated it while warming-up before joining Friday's clash at Parkhead as a second half substitute.

None of the match officials, including the referee Hugh Dallas, saw it but it was captured by television cameras.

Celtic won the match 2-0, their first league success against Rangers in 13 attempts.

Both of the so-called Old Firm sides are from Glasgow but their supporters traditionally divide along sectarian lines.

Flute playing is associated with Protestant marches and can be seen as an offensive gesture by Catholics.

Rangers bosses are refusing to comment on the incident.

It was Gascoigne's first match since returning from a four-game suspension. He was sent off in the previous Old Firm game last November.


Relevant Stories

Celtic sound record warning to Rangers (02 Jan 98 | Sport)
Five-match ban for Gascoigne (20 Nov 97 | Sport)
No road south for Gascoigne (13 Nov 97 | Sport)

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Rangers Teamtalk
Celtic FC

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