Ianis Hagi faces a spell on the sidelines for Rangers after being sent off on his return for the club.

The midfielder, 25, was ordered off in the second half against St Johnstone on Sunday.

Hagi had been out of the Rangers side for 14 months having been sent on loan to Alaves last season and then relegated to the B team due to a contract issue.

The Romanian internationalist returned to the first-team last week after his stand-off with the club was resolved.

However, his cameo off the bench was marred by a red card after a VAR review. Hagi had teed up Vaclav Cerny's second strike but was then sent trudging up the tunnel.

Hagi was initially booked by David Dickinson for a challenge on Benjamin Kimpioka but after a pitchside review the punishment was upgraded to a straight red.

A straight red card for serious foul play results in a two-match automatic suspension which applies to the player's next two matches irrespective of the competition.


Read more: 


Hagi's situation is further complicated by the fact he is not registered for Rangers in the Europa League meaning he is out of action until October 30 at the earliest.

The playmaker is set to feature for Romania during the international break but will miss the next two matches for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership before becoming available again at the end of the month.

It means Hagi will be out of action against Kilmarnock on October 20, ineligible against FCSB in the Europa League on October 24 and St Mirren on October 27.

He should be back available to play in the trip to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen on October 30.

Discussing the sending-off, Philippe Clement said: "It is what it is. It is also not a violent one or with high intensity, it was more a clumsy one, unlucky one.

"But it is a clear red card when I saw it afterwards so I don't think it will be a big suspension.

"Now he will go with the national team and I hope he gets minutes there and then when he comes back that we can have good training."

When will Ianis Hagi return for Rangers? 

Kilmarnock vs Rangers - Sunday, October 20 - suspended

Rangers vs FCSB - Thursday, October 24 - not registered

Rangers vs St Mirren - Sunday, October 27 - suspended

Aberdeen vs Rangers - Wednesday, October 30 - available