Rangers have suspended striker Francisco Sandaza after he was duped by a Celtic fan into discussing his wages at Ibrox.
The man, understood to be a Glasgow taxi driver, claimed he was an agent based in Los Angeles and spoke to the former St Johnstone player for 23 minutes, while apparently offering him a transfer to the US leagues.
During the call, Sandaza admitted he was paid £4500 a week and said he was already looking at a move elsewhere.
Rangers said in a statement: "Francisco Sandaza has been suspended by the club pending an investigation into comments made by the player in a recorded telephone conversation.
"The club, Francisco and his agent have had discussions and manager Ally McCoist also spoke with the player, who did not take part in today’s training session.
"Francisco will not return to the club while the investigation is under way.
"Rangers regard this is an extremely serious issue but there will be no further comment until the inquiry, which could take a week, has been completed."
Ally
Ally McCoist, speaking ahead of the Third Division clash against Stirling Albion at Ibrox tomorrow, where they will clinch the title with a victory if nearest challengers Queen's Park fail to win at Annan, said: "Fran has been suspended by the club on full wages pending an internal inquiry.
"We are very hopeful that the inquiry won't last any more than a week but he has been suspended and won't be coming to Ibrox or Murray Park pending the investigation.
"We will be issuing a statement after the investigation, we will have more to say then. I can't say anything that would be to the detriment of the investigation.
"It is the last thing we need at this moment in time, we have seven players out tomorrow."
Asked if Sandaza could be sacked, McCoist replied: "I have no idea. We will have to wait to see what the investigation unfolds."
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