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PFA Scotland has tonight claimed the SFA have seriously damaged Steve Simonsen’s chances of finding another club after appealing his betting ban.

The Rangers keeper was hit with a two-match ban, including one suspended, by an judicial panel after pleading guilty to gambling on matches.

But SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan has challenged the sentence – insisting it was too lenient. It is the first time the Hampden authorities have questioned a decision by an independent panel.

Simonsen was represented at last month’s hearing by the PFA, who admitted they were stunned by the SFA’s stance.

A PFA statement said: “PFA Scotland is surprised and disappointed at the decision of the SFA’s compliance officer to appeal the sanction against Steve Simonsen.

“We felt it would be important to clarify a number of points regarding the case as Mr Simonsen’s reputation is in danger of being further damaged, along with his future employment prospects.

“Unfortunately, we are unable to explain the detail behind the charges or the judicial panel’s reasoning in coming to its decision.

“As a consequence of the initial two-game suspension Mr Simonsen has lost his place in the Rangers first team, which may well have a material impact on his ability to gain a further contract with Rangers or another club."

Simonsen’s team feel the sentence handed down was fair given he gambled £202 over a 12-month period on a total of 55 matches – and none featuring his own club.

The Ibrox No.1 successfully pleaded his ignorance over the rules between Scotland and England, where players are only forbidden from betting on matches involving their own team.

The PFA statement continued: “Mr Simonsen requested the SFA publish the full written reasons of the panel in the interests of transparency.

“Regrettably they have, thus far, declined to do so. It is important, however, to clarify Mr Simonsen is of good character and has an excellent reputation within the game of football gained from his professionalism throughout his long career.

“The judicial panel correctly considered all of the mitigation led on his behalf by PFA Scotland lawyer Liam O’Donnell.

“Regrettably, we are precluded by SFA rules from outlining the significant mitigation and from explaining the judicial panel’s findings.

“In our opinion, he has suffered enough already.

“We are of the opinion that given the evidence and witness statements put before it, the original judicial panel came to a fair decision and PFA Scotland will rigorously defend Mr Simonsen at the appeal hearing.”