Rangers could be set to face another retrospective punishment for their star striker
Pundits have lined up to condemn Alfredo Morelos following a controversial incident against Hibs.
The Rangers striker brought his boot down on defender Ryan Porteous in the first half, but no punishment was meted out.
It was the latest controversial Morelos action to go unpunished. In December’s 2-1 win over Dundee United at Tannadice, Morelos struck defender Mark Connolly with his forearm.
Referee Steven McLean handed out a yellow, but this was subsequently upgraded to ‘violent conduct’ and Morelos was suspended for matches against St Mirren and Motherwell.
Reflecting on the incident at half-time on Wednesday night, former Rangers man Kris Boyd and James McFadden were both adamant that the 24-year-old should have seen red.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Boyd said: “It’s a red card, there’s no getting away from it.
“I just don’t understand, it was the exact same at Tannadice. He’s got away with one.
“Kevin Clancy’s got a good, great view of it there. I just don’t understand why he needs to do it. I just can’t work it out.
“People could tell me that he’s trying to get out the road of him. He’s not, you can see it right there.
“He is very lucky to still be on this pitch.”
Asked if he agreed, James McFadden said: “Absolutely, and Kevin Clancy couldn’t be in a better position.
“I’ve no idea how he hasn’t managed to see it, and Alfredo Morelos is very, very lucky to still be on the pitch.”
In a tweet posted at half-time, BBC Scotland journalist Tom English said: “Morelos gets away with another one. The most blatant red card.
“Cowardly and selfish – and unbelievably lucky.”
It was Morelos who went on to give Rangers the lead early in the second half, finishing clinically after a flick from Joe Aribo.
He passed up two excellent chances to increase Rangers’ lead before being replaced by Kemar Roofe with 18 minutes remaining.
Morelos’ strike proved to be the only goal of the game as Rangers maintained their 23-point lead at the top of the table.
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