Rangers may have to win the title with their manager in the stand
Wednesday night saw Rangers take another step towards winning this season’s Premiership title, but Steven Gerrard may not be in the dugout when the moment comes.
He was dismissed at half-time, having been shown two yellow cards in quick succession by referee John Beaton.
Gerrard was incensed by the decision to book Alfredo Morelos for a supposed dive inside the Livingston box, with replays showing that the striker was brought down by keeper Max Stryjek.
The Ibrox boss made his feelings clear to Beaton, and watched the second half from the stand as a result.
His reaction could see him forced to watch the upcoming derby at Celtic Park from a similar vantage point, and former Hearts man Michael Stewart was surprised by Gerrard’s reaction.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound, he said: “I’m trying to think in the few seasons that Steven Gerrard has been a manager and there is nothing that springs to mind that I’ve seen similar to that.
“It’s not as if this is getting down to the business end of the season and there are a few points between the top teams in the table and there is real, real pressure.
“It’s not as if that decision is going to make any material difference in where the title is going.
“Yes, it (Beaton’s decision to book Morelos) is wrong, but I think it’s harsh if you really go after the officials, because I do think from the angle they were at it could have looked like a dive even though we know it’s not.
“So I am surprised to a certain extent with Steven Gerrard because he does cut a very calm and composed figure the majority of the time.”
Rangers need just four points from their remaining seven league matches to be crowned champions, and could seal the title at Celtic Park on March 21.
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