Rangers star Alfredo Morelos has issued a heartfelt apology via his Twitter account after a breach of the club discipline.
The 23-year-old was omitted from the Gers matchday squad for the trip to Tynecastle at the weekend because he had arrived back in Glasgow later than had been agreed, following a sanctioned visit to his native Columbia.
With Florian Kamberi cup-tied and Jermain Defoe not fit enough to start, it left Rangers without an out-and-out striker in the XI.
Greg Stewart initially performed the role, while Sheyi Ojo also had a go after being introduced in the first half, but neither could prevent the Gers being knocked out of the cup by the side currently bottom of the Scottish Premiership.
Morelos received further internal disciplinary action but is free to face Hamilton in the league on Wednesday night.
Clearly, though, the player felt he should address the situation before he stepped out again at Ibrox.
“I wish to apologise to the club, the manager, coaching staff, all of my teammates and the Rangers fans for disappointing them with my conduct last week,” he wrote on Twitter.
“I understand that people inside and outside the club are disappointed that I let them down and it was never my intention to do so.
“Everyone at Rangers and the fans have given me so much love that I’m so grateful for and I just want to show everyone on the pitch how much Rangers means to me.”
There’s no doubt having Morelos in the side on Saturday evening could have made a massive difference.
The performance was dreadful, but a 29-goal striker leading the line would have given the team a focal point and some much-needed potency.
There’s no explanation behind his tardy return included here, but it’s clear that he realises he has some making up to do, after a lapse in professionalism.
