Ricksen pays for elbowing but still faces suspension

Rangers have fined the Dutch international Fernando Ricksen £10,000 for elbowing a Hibernian player during a cup match.

Ricksen could also be punished by the Scottish Football Association for the incident during last week's CIS Insurance Cup semi-final.

The Dutchman was caught on camera thrusting an elbow into Derek Riordan's face and an SFA panel is due to examine that footage later in the week. Rangers have already taken their own action and the Rangers Charity Foundation is now £10,000 better off.

The club today released a statement on its official website in which the manager, Alex McLeish, said: "I have reviewed this matter internally and Fernando knows I will not tolerate Rangers players behaving in an inappropriate manner.

In accordance with club rules, the player will be fined £10,000 and the money will be donated directly to the Rangers Charity Foundation for the benefit of nominated charities. I am satisfied we have dealt with this matter appropriately."

It was not the first time that Ricksen has been involved in a controversial incident that was missed by the match officials but caught on camera. In November 2000 he was seen to aim a kick at the Aberdeen midfielder Darren Young in an off the ball incident and was subsequently banned.

It was a bad night for Rangers last Thursday, as they lost the match to Hibs 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.