Rangers: Steven Gerrard calls for consistency in disciplinary process

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has called for more consistency in the Scottish FA’s disciplinary system but admits he cannot defend Alfredo Morelos’ latest indiscretion.

Hibs’ Darren McGregor has not been cited for a similar offense on Glen Kamara.

“I watched the [Morelos] a lot of incidents and I don’t think there’s a case to be made, ”said Gerrard.

“Having said that, that doesn’t mean we’re happy with everything that has happened in this game, or that has happened in this season or in previous seasons.

“So this is something behind the scenes that the board and I are working very hard on, trying to find better solutions in terms of the discipline and the process going on.

“This is something that we will continue to try to support in terms of authorities, to try to make things better and more coherent.”

Morelos’ stamp in the 1-0 victory at Easter Road last Wednesday means he misses the Scottish Premiership matches against St Johnstone, who visit Ibrox on Wednesday, Hamilton and Kilmarnock.

The Colombian is serving an additional match suspension as it is his second offense this season, also having been cited for violent conduct following a challenge against Dundee United’s Mark Connolly in December.

Asked about his concerns about the SFA disciplinary process, Gerrard said: “Consistency. This is what every manager wants, a level of consistency for every player or every incident, to be judged the same.

“I think it will really help the league move forward.”

Meanwhile, Gerrard has revealed defender Nikola Katic is out for the remainder of the campaign. Croatia’s central half have been sidelined all season after undergoing knee surgery last summer.

But midfielder Scott Arfield, who has not played since damaged ankle ligaments against Hibs on Boxing Day, is ready for Rangers’ Europa League final first leg against Royal Antwerp on the 18th. February.

“Arfield should start coming back to the squad at the end of the week and I’m really happy that it went as planned,” Gerrard added.

“The medical team have done an excellent job and he should hopefully be available for European matches.”