Fergus McCann, Celtic's managing director, has ensured that the controversy over Paul Gascoigne's mock flute-playing will continue to simmer by urging the Scottish Football Association to take action. McCann has written a letter to the association's chief executive, Jim Farry, to point out that Celtic's Bhoy Against Bigotry campaign includes ejecting fans from their stadium for singing sectarian songs and making inflammatory gestures.

He is concerned that the action of a player could make the wrong impression on supporters if the perpetrator is not seen to be punished. Gascoigne himself has revealed that he was fined £20,000 by Rangers immediately after the events at Celtic Park 10 days ago.

Gascoigne also offered an "unreserved apology" for his actions and conceded that it had undermined Rangers' own work in combating bigotry. McCann's letter seemed to have an impact on the Scottish FA, which had insisted for most of last week that no action would be taken against Gascoigne because the incident had not been seen by match referee Hugh Dallas.

But, by Friday, Farry had expressed his concern and revealed that the player and the clubs had been asked for their comments, the first step in a procedure that could lead to disciplinary measures.

David Murray, the Rangers chairman, was not happy about his counterpart's interference in what he had regarded as a matter for his own club. "We have made an appropriate response to the issue," said Murray. "No one needs to inform us how we should react to these matters."

With the Scottish FA procedure implemented, the issue will probably be refereed to the executive committee meeting due on February 3rd, but confirmation that Gascoigne has been punished is likely to satisfy the authorities.

The Gascoigne business apart, it was a better weekend for Rangers than it was for their great rivals. Goals from Brian Laudrup and Sergio Porrini in a remarkably one-sided match at Ibrox brought a 2-0 victory over Aberdeen that extended the champions' lead in the Premier Division to three points.

Celtic once again showed their proneness to slipping against lesser opposition by drawing 1-1 with Motherwell at Fir Park. Willie Falconer, an ex-Celtic player, gave the home side the lead before Paul Lambert equalised. But Darren Jackson, who had replaced Harald Brattbakk in the second half, missed a penalty shortly afterwards that should have given Celtic victory.

Hearts have an opportunity to narrow Rangers' advantage to one point when they face St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park tonight.