• Scottish League

Hoax call comments see Sandaza suspended

Francisco Sandaza has been suspended by Rangers © PA Photos

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Rangers have suspended striker Francisco Sandaza after comments he made in a hoax telephone call.

The Spaniard was tricked by a hoaxer known as 'Tommy in Glasgow' who, posing as a Los Angeles agent offering him the chance of an MLS contract, got him to reveal his salary and whether he was interested in a move.

The Spaniard was recorded and the conversation posted online. He said he had joined Rangers "for the money and because they are a good club" and would leave if the right offer came along.

He said he earned £4,500-a-week plus bonuses but expected that to rise to £10,000 when Rangers, currently in Scottish Division Three, returned to the Scottish Premier League.

He said: "The money is good. The club is amazing - it is a very, very big club - and the supporters are amazing.

"Obviously if I get a better league and more money I would go. I have been playing all my life to get a good contract for me and my family, so that is why I signed here. I wanted a contract that solved my life.

"I didn't sign for the level [of football at which Rangers are currently playing]. I signed for the money and because they are a good club."

He told the hoaxer, who used the alias Jack McGonagall, that he was wary because "some people can call me and record it then put it in the papers".

In a statement on their official website, Rangers said: "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."

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