Could appealing Ryan Kent’s suspension backfire on Rangers?

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Glasgow Rangers have reportedly appealed the two-match ban handed to Ibrox loanee Ryan Kent.

It has been reported by The Scottish Sun that Rangers have decided to appeal against the two-match suspension offered to Ryan Kent in the wake of Sunday’s enthralling Old Firm contest.

Kent was involved in a clash with Scott Brown which saw the Gers loanee seemingly punch the Celtic captain as he held onto the ball. The Scottish Sun reports that the winger has been charged with violent conduct by the SFA and had been set to serve a two-game ban, which would have ruled him out of Wednesday’s game with Hearts as well as the weekend’s trip to Motherwell.

However, Kent will be available this evening, with the report suggesting that Rangers have appealed the decision and the case will be heard on Thursday.

It appears to be an ambitious appeal from the Gers. While the SFA have made a number of questionable decisions throughout the campaign, it is difficult to see how they would explain overturning the decision and letting Kent off without a charge.

So perhaps the decision to appeal could end up backfiring depending on how the fixture list following the split looks.

Rangers were superb for much of the second-half at Parkhead, which was remarkable given that they were down to 10 men at that stage. But despite their improved performance, they were struggling to turn their pressure into chances.

That was until Kent collected the ball and produced a stunning solo run that culminated in the Liverpool ace finding the corner to equalise. It was arguably the best piece of quality in the entire game.

Had Rangers accepted the two-match ban, Kent would have returned for the final five games of the season. But he is now likely to miss at least one fixture after the split, and it would be a massive blow for Rangers if that game proved to be the final Old Firm contest of the campaign.

Steven Gerrard will already be without Alfredo Morelos for the next four games. If Kent is also removed from any big fixtures in the meantime, it would make Rangers’ task significantly more difficult.

The final Old Firm game of the campaign is a real opportunity for the Gers to end the season on something of a high. Not having Kent available would make their task significantly harder.