RANGERS have lost their appeal against the two-match ban handed to defender Bruno Alves following Sunday's Betfred Cup semi-final defeat to Motherwell. 

The Portuguese was given a retrospective suspension by the Scottish FA for allegedly kicking out at Steelmen forward Louis Moult during the 2-0 defeat.

The decision infuriated the Ibrox club, who released a statement calling it 'devoid of credibility and balance.'

However, the ban was upheld at a disciplinary tribunal on Thursday and Alves is now set to miss the club's next Premiership clash with Hearts at Murrayfield on Saturday.

He will also miss Rangers' next Betfred Cup match, which will take place in the 2018/19 season.