The Colombian was at the centre of a major talking point in the first half
Steven Gerrard has defended Alfredo Morelos after the striker endured a difficult afternoon against Dundee United.
Morelos appeared to elbow United defender Mark Connolly in the 12th minute, but referee Steven McLean only showed a. yellow card.
Both Ally McCoist and Kris Boyd said on Sky Sports that they felt the incident warranted a red, with Boyd insisting the Colombian was “very, very lucky”.
Speaking after the game, however, manager Gerrard gave the striker his backing.
Asked on Sky Sports if he breathed a sigh of relief when Morelos received a yellow rather than a red, Gerrard replied: “No, not really. I haven’t looked at the incident back, but I remember it in normal play.
“It was a foul and the referee’s dealt with it with a yellow card. I don’t think there’s anything else to say.”
Morelos missed a number of chances in his side’s 2-1 win, and after being asked if the striker was frustrated Gerrard said: “Well he doesn’t do interviews so I don’t know and you don’t know.
“Listen, he’s working hard. His application’s good, he’s getting chances.
“Maybe his confidence is affected slightly because normally that world class pass from Kemar Roofe, he’d normally take that on first time, but if he keeps working hard, stays focused and keeps working hard for the team I’m sure his form will turn. “
Boyd went on to say: “Once he (Gerrard) sees it, I think he’ll change his mind.
“When Steven goes and watches it back he’ll realise he’s very lucky to stay on that field.”
Rangers extended their lead at the top of the table to 15 points thanks to a superb James Tavernier free kick and a Connor Goldson header.
Celtic currently sit in third place, but have a chance to jump back into second when they face Kilmarnock at Celtic Park in today’s 3pm kick off.
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