Rangers sack striker Francisco Sandaza following hoax call investigation

The player made comments in a conversation which was broadcast online

A view of Rangers fans (GETTY IMAGES)

Francisco Sandaza's difficult Rangers career has come to an unhappy end after the club sacked the Spanish striker following an investigation into a hoax phone call.

The club suspended the former St Johnstone forward on March 22 as they investigated comments he made in a conversation with someone masquerading as an agent, which was subsequently broadcast online.

And last night they revealed the outcome was the termination of the player's three-year contract, which he signed in August.

Sandaza revealed details of his salary and thoughts on his future during the conversation with someone pretending to sound him out over a potential move to Major League Soccer.

A Rangers statement read: "Francisco spoke at length to someone posing as an agent and engaged in a conversation which the club believes to be a material breach of his contract of employment.

"The player was suspended but after careful consideration and a hearing with Francisco and his representatives, the club, and our advisors, believe that dismissal is the appropriate course of action.

"The termination is subject to the right of appeal under SFL rules and there will be no further comment from Rangers on this issue."

The former Dundee United and Brighton striker scored two goals in 17 appearances for the newly-crowned Irn-Bru Third Division champions.

The 28-year-old also missed three months of the campaign after suffering a fractured cheekbone in a Scottish Communities League Cup tie against Motherwell in September.

Meanwhile, Rangers will have to respond to the offer of a two-match ban for defender Chris Hegarty today for allegedly stamping on an opponent during his team's goalless draw at Montrose on Saturday.

A Scottish Football Association judicial panel hearing will be scheduled for next Thursday if they opt to challenge the punishment.

PA