RANGERS today revealed they are astounded after being hit with four disciplinary charges by the SFA and vowed to defend themselves "in the most robust manner".

Ibrox first team coaches Tom Culshaw and Michael Beale were last night cited after being involved in touchline bust-ups in the Ladbrokes Premiership games against Hibernian and Celtic last year respectively.

And the Govan club have also been accused of breaching Rule 204 and failing to "conduct themselves in an orderly fashion" in those matches at Easter Road and Parkhead.

John Potter, the Hibs assistant manager, has been cited by SFA compliance officer Clare Whyte for alleged misconduct in the game at Easter Road last month.

A principal hearing date of Thursday, February 6, has been set for all of the cases to be heard at Hampden.

Steven Gerrard admitted he was surprised at how long it had taken the governing body to act following his side's 2-0 win over Stranraer in the William Hill Scottish Cup last night.

And Rangers have today accused the SFA of holding them to a "different and more stringent code of conduct" to other Scottish clubs.

A statement read: "Rangers is astounded by the notices of complaint issued by the SFA.

"It is concerning that it seems the governing body is seeking to hold Rangers to a different and more stringent code of conduct than that applied to others, with unprecedented charges being levied against the club.

"Rangers fans can be assured that it is our firm intention to resist the charges in the most robust manner possible. Rangers will make further comment after the weekend."

Gerrard said: “I was a bit surprised by the timing of it, how long it has taken. But that’s the way it is.

“It’s not relief [that Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent haven't been cited individually], no. We have read what’s come our way today, the club will deal with it and we’ll get on with it. That’s the way it is.

Asked about the length of time the SFA had taken to act, Gerrard said: "That’s the way it is. We can’t control that. So we’ll turn up where we have to turn up, listen to what we have to listen to and deal with whatever comes our way."