Seething Steven Gerrard sent off for referee rant in half-time confrontation
Steven Gerrard was sent to the stands during Rangers’ 1-0 win away at Livingston on Wednesday night after reacting furiously when Alfredo Morelos was booked for diving.
Gers are closing in on the Scottish Premiership title thanks to Morelos’ late winner at the Almondvale Stadium, which kept them 18 points clear of rivals Celtic at the top of the table.
It proved a fiery night in West Lothian, with Gerrard earning himself a red card for confronting referee John Beaton at half-time.
The former Liverpool midfielder was left seething with Beaton’s decision to book Morelos for simulation in the first half.
As he raced through on goal, the Colombia striker knocked the ball past goalkeeper Max Stryjek and went down under his challenge.
He appealed for a penalty, yet Beaton was having none of it and instead brandished a yellow card for diving.
Replays appeared to show that Morelos had been touched by Stryjek as he went through, which irked Gerrard on the touchline.
The Rangers boss stormed onto the pitch and confronted Beaton after he blew the whistle for half-time, reportedly swearing at the referee as he gestured to the site of Stryjek’s challenge.
He could be heard telling him that the decision was “bang out of order”, which first earned him a yellow card of his own.
Top trending sport stories right now
And as he continued to lambast Beaton, Gerrard was quickly shown a second yellow by the official, meaning he was sent to the stands for the second half of the game.
The 40-year-old may now face a touchline ban for his actions, which would come as a bitter blow given Rangers are on the brink of wrapping up the title.
They could become champions for the first time in 10 years as early as Sunday if they get the better of St Mirren and Celtic drop points away at Dundee.
But if that doesn’t come to fruition, Gers can seal the title at the home of their Old Firm rivals on March 21.
READ MORE:Alfredo Morelos angers Rangers stars but earns respect from fans with Antwerp gesture
READ MORE:Liverpool have Steven Gerrard plan in place if Jurgen Klopp quits Reds early
Source: Read Full Article