Rangers winger Ryan Kent avoids ban & Celtic's Patryk Klimala tipped to shine
- Published
Ryan Kent was sent off after forcing the opening goal against Lyon
Ryan Kent will be available for Rangers' Premiership opener after the French Football Federation confirmed they will not to report his red card against Lyon to the Scottish FA.
The winger was sent off in Thursday's 2-0 friendly win over the French hosts for pushing defender Marcelo in the face after a heavy challenge.
Had the SFA been informed, Kent would have missed games against Aberdeen and St Mirren for violent conduct.
Instead, he is now free to play.
"I thought the referee overreacted but it's hard to defend Ryan," assistant manager Gary McAllister said of the incident.
"The defender came through the back of him and provoked him, then there were handbags. But as soon as you raise your hands and touch your opponent in the face, it's a red card."
Prior to his sending off, Kent had forced Marcelo into an own goal and Ianis Hagi doubled the lead.
Before Rangers' win at Groupama Stadium, Celtic began their pre-season campaign in the same venue with a 1-1 draw against Nice.
Kasper Dolberg gave the French side the lead after Odsonne Edouard had an effort disallowed, before Patryk Klimala scored a second-half leveller.
It was Klimala's first senior goal for the club since his January arrival from Jagiellonia and manager Neil Lennon expects more from the Pole this season.
"It's a forte of his game, being aggressive with his pressing. He got what he deserved," Lennon said.
"He's a work in progress. It's a different style of football from what he was used to in Poland but his attitude was brilliant and I think over the piece he will contribute well."