‘Absolute nonsense’ – BBC pundit reacts after Rangers release ‘Padded out’ statement
BBC Sportsound pundit Tam McManus has hit out at the SFA for citing Rangers manager Steven Gerrard for his comments after the 4-0 win against Dundee United.
Rangers released a statement on Wednesday to hit out at the “bizarre” charge, which they confirm will be contested at a hearing.
Dundee United’s Ryan Edwards caused a gash on Alfredo Morelos’ leg when they met the Light Blues at Ibrox earlier this month.
As quoted by the Scottish Sun, Gerrard refused to say that Edwards should’ve been sent off for the challenge, simply saying that the United player was “a lucky boy” that he only caused a gash on Morelos’ leg.
But Gerrard did suggest that if it was Morelos doing the challenge, he might’ve been shown red.
Former Hibs forward McManus has stood by Gerrard for speaking his mind on the flashpoint, adding that Rangers should win their appeal.
“It’s nonsense that Steven Gerrard is getting cited for this,” McManus told PLZ Soccer’s The Football Show on Wednesday.
“I agree the statement by Rangers has been padded out a bit but I’ve always felt that players and managers should be allowed to speak their mind after the game.
“If you’re asked a question in a press conference, you answer it to the best of your ability.
“If he felt it was a red card, he’s more than entitled to say that and you shouldn’t be getting put up by the SFA and cited for speaking your mind.
“It’s absolute nonsense. I think Rangers will win the appeal.”
Looking at this without our blue-tinted specs on, you can see why the SFA have cited Gerrard because of his comment on a potential bias against Rangers.
Gerrard pretty much said that if Morelos was the only doing the robust challenge, he would’ve been sent off but because it was Edwards, that wasn’t the case.
It’s a fair point because players’ reputations do proceed themselves with referees.
Morelos has acted up in the past but each incident should be taken for what they are and nothing else.
But what Gerrard said really isn’t worthy of a citation.
Managers have to face the press after matches and whoever interviewed Gerrard tried to get him to hit out at Edwards for leaving his mark on Morelos.
Gerrard restrained himself and his response to what could have been a serious injury to his player was very fair.
As McManus says, Rangers should win their appeal.
In other Rangers news, this forward is set to exit the Light Blues on loan.