Steven Gerrard’s Hearts reaction was full of sympathy towards midfielder Scott Arfield.
The Rangers midfielder was sent off as Gerrard’s charges saw off the Gorgie men 2-1 at Tynecastle. With Rangers in cruise control, Arfield lunged in on Zdenek Zlamal to see red heading into the final 20 minutes of the game.
The match, however, was more known for the Gers leapfrogging Celtic to head to the top of the Premiership. Connor Goldson and Alfredo Morelos were the goal heroes on the day. Gareth McAuley had originally given Hearts the lead by stabbing the ball into his own net.
Gerrard was generally full of praise for his players collectively. Despite that, however, he singled out Arfield and stated that he understood why his man lunged at Zlamal.
“It’s one of those things, as a midfielder and a goalscorer from midfield you smell that little chance.
“He only had it one arm and then he drags it in at the last minute so I feel a bit for Scotty.
“But at the same, we have no complaints because it was a bit late. It is what it is, we accept it.”
Unfortunate or stupid?
This is going to be a decision that causes much debate. Arfield’s red secured Rangers’ seventh of the season. The club’s record whilst being down to 10 men is heavily impressive, but going down a man is still a great risk.
Isolating the incident, it does look reckless from Arfield. Zlamal had control of the ball for a good couple of seconds before the Rangers star goes sliding in. It was a huge talking point, and Arfield will now miss the next couple of games through suspension.
Gerrard is adamant he could see what Arfield was doing. At best, however, it was simply stupid. The ball wasn’t there to be won by the time he goes sliding in, and cooler heads had to prevail at that moment.
Regardless, it was an incredibly huge win for Rangers. Going top of the league at the start of December is fantastic. Despite Celtic having the game in hand, that match won’t be played until after the New Year. Therefore, Rangers have a huge chance to build a lead on Brendan Rodgers’ men.
For the next two games, however, it’ll have to be done without Arfield.
