Barry Ferguson Fires Back at UEFA Over Disciplinary Charges Following Post-Match Outburst
Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson has delivered a fiery response to UEFA’s disciplinary charges filed against him for comments made after his team’s 2-0 Europa League quarter-final defeat to Athletic Bilbao on April 17, 2025. The charges, stemming from Ferguson’s claims that Rangers were denied two “clear” penalties in the match, have sparked a defiant reaction from the former club captain, who refuses to back down despite the threat of punishment.
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) announced on April 18, 2025, that Ferguson faces proceedings under Article 15 of its Disciplinary Regulations, which addresses improper conduct, including statements that undermine match officials or bring the game into disrepute. The charges relate to Ferguson’s post-match interview with RangersTV, where he lambasted referee Irfan Peljto’s decisions during the 2-0 loss at San Mames Stadium. Ferguson claimed Rangers were robbed of penalties for a shirt pull on striker Cyriel Dessers by Athletic’s Yeray Alvarez and a potential handball before a shot by Nicolas Raskin hit the post. “We should’ve had two penalties. The first one changes the dynamic of the game. It’s a clear pull on Cyriel and a clear red card,” he said, as reported by the Daily Express and Newsletter.
The remarks, perceived as a direct attack on the officiating, prompted UEFA to act swiftly, citing Ferguson’s comments as inflammatory. The CEDB is set to review the case in the coming weeks, with potential sanctions including a touchline ban, a fine, or a formal warning. A ban would bar Ferguson “
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Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson is under fire from UEFA after his outspoken comments following a 2-0 Europa League quarter-final defeat to Athletic Bilbao on April 17, 2025. The governing body has charged Ferguson for remarks made in a post-match interview, where he claimed Rangers were denied two “clear” penalties, potentially facing a touchline ban or fine.
In the match at San Mames Stadium, Athletic Bilbao secured a 2-0 aggregate victory with goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams. Ferguson, speaking to RangersTV, expressed frustration over referee Irfan Peljto’s decisions, highlighting a shirt pull on striker Cyriel Dessers and a possible handball in Athletic’s box. “We should’ve had two penalties. The first one changes the dynamic of the game,” he said, as reported by the Newsletter.
UEFA announced on April 18, 2025, that Ferguson’s comments breached Article 15 of its Disciplinary Regulations, which prohibits statements that discredit officials or the game. The Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will decide on sanctions, which could impact Ferguson’s ability to manage in future European matches.
As Rangers face a trophyless season and uncertainty over Ferguson’s future, the former captain has yet to comment on the charges. With five Scottish Premiership games left, the outcome of UEFA’s ruling could shape his tenure
