fraser77 0 Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/ho...icle2355564.ece By KENNY McALPINE Published: 02 Apr 2009 rigTeaserImage BOOZE-shame stars Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor were partying with FIVE team-mates during the bender that led to their axe from the Scotland team. Rangers duo Ferguson and McGregor were originally ordered home by furious boss George Burley after their six-hour early-morning binge. Boozing ... Cameron House Boozing ... Cameron House But he backed down after a showdown with the other five stars — who warned him he would have to send them packing from the team’s posh hotel HQ. And in another amazing twist, Burley — after dropping Ferguson and McGregor from the team which beat Iceland 2-1 last night — relented and named the pair as substitutes. It’s understood captain Ferguson and keeper McGregor were joined on the lash by Celtic midfielder Scott Brown, Spurs defender Alan Hutton, Rangers defender Steven Whittaker, Hibs striker Steven Fletcher and Derby winger Gary Teale. They felt their skipper and McGregor were being made scapegoats for the bash at Cameron House Hotel at Loch Lomond. There is also disquiet in the squad as Brown — who used his own clippers to shave McGregor’s head during the drinking session — escaped without punishment despite lurching to his room just 20 minutes before the Ibrox pair went to theirs. It is a huge embarrassment for Burley — who has been slammed for letting his players drink in the bar in the first place after they flew back from Holland. There is also now a massive question mark over Burley’s authority with the team. Last night a source close to the camp said: “This has been a disaster for Burley and Scotland. “He originally told Ferguson and McGregor to pack their bags and go home. Enraged ... George Burley Enraged ... George Burley “However, when the other lads found out they decided to stick together. “They didn’t think it was fair for the two of them to shoulder the blame. “The players went to Burley’s room and told him they were involved in the boozing as well. “He was told in no uncertain terms that the squad felt singling them out was unfair. “Burley then changed his mind and let them stay in the squad and stay at the hotel before putting them on the bench. “He was in a no-win situation as he needed the other players to play against Iceland. “What else could he have done? However his authority and standing amongst the other players must now be in grave doubt.” We revealed yesterday how Ibrox team-mates Ferguson and McGregor went on a booze session lasting at least six hours after flying back from Holland on Sunday morning. The duo hit the bar at around 5am with other players following their crushing 3-0 defeat. The team had been given permission for the ‘bonding session’ by Burley. But while some of the squad went back to their rooms after a couple of drinks, seven stayed — and Ferguson, 31, and McGregor, 27, kept going until 11am. They were still supping alcohol as other guests, including families, came down for breakfast and to use the facilities at the five-star resort. Witnesses claimed they watched the players down vodkas and Red Bull in the Great Scots bar. We understand Burley was left raging when he learned about their booze antics — and wanted them sent home immediately. But the boss was left stunned when the five others owned up to being involved in the party. Brown, 23, went to his kip at 10.45am — around 20 minutes earlier than Ferguson and McGregor. It is believed Hutton and Whittaker, both 24, Fletcher, 22, and 30-year-old Teale hit the sack at round 9am. Advertisement Click here Our source said: “Ferguson and McGregor were not going to land any of the other players in it. They were going to take their punishment but the other lads didn’t think that was fair. “The other players had been drinking all morning with Ferguson and McGregor but finished just a little while before them. “I think Burley was shell-shocked. “There was no way he could boot seven players out of the squad. “All the guys who were boozing were part of the first-team plans last night and the squad is thin enough. “The players have shown him no respect and left him in an impossible situation. “However, what manager sanctions his team to go for a drink at 5am with a huge World Cup qualifier to come? “They had just played an energy-sapping match and then a flight home to Glasgow and then on to their hotel. “A good rest is what they would have needed — not a few pints.” He added: “Everyone involved in this debacle needs to take a good look at themselves.” An SFA spokesman said: “We can confirm that there has been a breach of team discipline. “This is being dealt with within the squad. “We are not allowing this to disrupt preparations for a vital World Cup qualifying match.” A spokesman for the West of Scotland Tartan Army blasted the players. He said: “They have let themselves and the supporters down. “There is still a definite drinking culture in Scottish football. “Drinking was okay if you were in the mould of Jimmy Johnstone or Billy Bremner but these guys are not in the same class.” kennymcalpine@the-sun.co.uk LETS SEE IF THEY BOO BROWN FLETCHER AND TEALE EH ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
numansnewman 25 Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 brown shaved shaggers barnet. was he laughing as he did it ? why did he ?..cos he took the piss out of him..and smeltic will love him for it. bring back Alexander ..now barry and shagger are neds Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadianGer 1 Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 good to know there is a least one person out there able to write a story saying that Burley made an absolute arse out of the whole thing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nvager 498 Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 Burley if he gave permission should have set a deadline or some parameter. The players let themselves, the manager and their country down. All of the 7 drinkers. Burley should have checked back a couple of hours later, but probably trusted these players. The blame lies with the players for acting irresponsibly. They should all be punished in some way. Reprimanded at the least. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest johngers Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 Why the fuck did he let them out drinking at 5am in the first place?!?! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
numansnewman 25 Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 good to know there is a least one person out there able to write a story saying that Burley made an absolute arse out of the whole thing. CG..burley is an awful and weak manager..but these 2 are neds..a rangers captain doesnt act like this. mc gregor is never off the front pages. the 2 of them along with adam,boyd and another beat PLG. i know some things about "doctors lines" that were put forward to excuse them from training. they are neds..and there egos are bigger than their abilities..and their wallets mean..that it doesnt matter anyway Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brissybear 50 Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 This changes things slightly for me. Brown should be open to the same scrutiny, 25 mins is feck all. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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