Football Talk: '17-game ban for Lennon', O'Connor's cup final suit, Euro 2012 kits

Garry O'Connor has made an unusual cup final pledge© SNS Group

After an eventful weekend on the pitch, it’s matters off the field that dominate today’s top stories.

The latest twist in the battle to take control of Rangers has seen the Blue Knights pledge to step aside for Bill Ng's Singaporean consortium.

Meanwhile owner Craig Whyte has dismissed Scottish Football Association charges against him as “farcical” and says he will not appear at the governing body’s judicial hearing. The disciplinary hearings, originally scheduled for late March, will take place over three days this week.

In other news Garry O’Connor’s potential cup final suit is something many will want to avoid meanwhile Aberdeen boss Craig Brown says he’s more determined than ever to complete the “major job” he has on his hands at Pittodrie.

TOP STORIES

Craig Whyte: 'Not a chance' I'll face SFA judicial panel
The Rangers owner insists the disciplinary process is “a farce” and he will not travel to Hampden to contest disciplinary charges.

Blue Knights 'withdraw bid' for club
Paul Murray's group has said they are stepping aside as Bill Ng's Singaporean consortium move closer.

Celtic manager facing 17-game ban over his latest run-in with referees
Neil Lennon faces the prospect of watching half of next season from the stands with the SFA set to hit him with his fifth rap in as many weeks. (Daily Record)

Scottish FA confirms Scottish Cup final will be played at Hampden
Murrayfield not an option for showpiece game between Hibs and Hearts.

David Rae rejects Queen of the South takeover bid
Media Pro Sports have failed in their bid to acquire 30% of the First Division club.

Garry O'Connor: I'll strip naked on Princes St if Hibs win Scottish Cup final
The Hibs striker says he'll celebrate cup glory by stripping in Edinburgh’s busiest street (The Sun).

Craig Brown poised to begin Aberdeen clearout after defeat
With nothing but pride to play for between now and the end of the term, Craig Brown will now turn his attention on recasting his Aberdeen squad for next season (The Herald).

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Bayern Munich aiming for double cup success in knockout season
Stefan Bienkowski on why, with the Bundesliga title no longer a realistic possibility, Bayern are looking to maintain their cup form and book a place at their own party.

Dani Alves: 'At Barcelona we are taking football back to its origins'
Barcelona's buccaneering right-back explains that staying true to attacking principle is secret of Catalan club's ongoing success. (Sid Lowe, The Guardian)

Liverpool and Red Sox, same owner and parrallel debacles
Jere Longman looks at the similar problems facing John Henry at Liverpool and the Boston Red Sox (New York Times)

How Twitter has transformed football
Henry Winter examines how much the match-going experience has been tchanged by the social networking revolution (The Telegraph)

Nike reveal Euro 2012 kits
The manufacturer has issued pictures of the strips for Croatia, Portugal, Holland, France and Poland. If you're looking for us we'll be in the gym working on the required physique to sport one. 

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We love to debate a refereeing decision in Scotland. Do you agree or disagree with this red card from Brazil for a foul on Neymar.

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