St Mirren goalkeeper Craig Samson later accused Candeias of being "disrespectful" in his celebrations by taunting Ferdinand moments earlier.

Yellow-card appeals are only permitted for simulation and in cases of mistaken identity under Scottish Football Association rules and Rangers appealed on the basis of the latter, although there was no other Light Blues player involved.

Rangers stated they were "extremely disappointed" with the appeal panel's decision and questioned why Collum had been handed Friday's game between Aberdeen and Hibernian game while Candeias will sit out Sunday's visit of Motherwell.

A club statement added: "Rangers afforded the governing body the opportunity to let common sense prevail and we are surprised they have chosen not to do so by correcting what was, and what remains an inexplicable decision by the match referee, Willie Collum. Rangers shall now seek a fundamental review of the rules relating to red cards which result from two bookings of a player in a game.

"If one of these decisions is obviously wrong, it must be possible to correct that mistake. It is wrong that players' livelihoods and careers can be impacted without the opportunity of redress, especially when the official responsible for the miscarriage of justice is allowed to continue as though beyond question or reproach.

"It defies belief that this same referee, who got it so blatantly wrong last Saturday, is awarded one of the biggest matches in Scottish football this weekend while Daniel Candeias is denied the right to go to his work. This, frankly, is unacceptable.

"Furthermore, it is understood that a number of people within the Scottish FA are in no doubt Mr Collum's judgment was flawed and Rangers shall also now be submitting a formal complaint about the performance of this referee. The manner in which he reacted to an incident involving our player made it obvious he did not give due consideration to his decision.

"This is by no means the first time errors of judgement have been made in matches involving this official and clearly there is an underlying issue which requires to be addressed."

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