Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has criticised the behaviour of Standard Liege after his side’s victory in Belgium on Thursday night, as quoted by the Glasgow Times.
The Gers defeated Les Rouches 2-0 at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne courtesy of a first-half penalty from James Tavernier and a spectacular long-range effort from Kemar Roofe in injury time.
Tempers flared after the game, though, with a member of the opposition’s staff appearing to square up to Roofe on the touchline.
Moments earlier, Roofe had been booked for excessive celebration and Gerrard hit out at the hosts, asserting that it is up to him and the referee to deal with any misdemeanours from his players.
“They were disappointed in Kemar’s celebration,” said Gerrard, as quoted by the Glasgow Times. “OK, but Kemar was punished for that and that’s for me to deal with and for me to handle.”
“They are obviously very frustrated that they have been beaten for the first time in six years on their home patch…I think that’s the problem when you get a couple of their staff members who get over-excited and don’t handle themselves with class and humility.
“I think when the dust settles Standard Liege will be disappointed in how they reacted. But, look, we move on we will welcome them to Ibrox with class and look forward to that game.”
Rangers boss hits out at Standard Liege staff after full-time bust-up – Verdict
Gerrard hasn’t held back here and that’s perhaps unsurprising given the level of aggression shown by opposition staff following the final whistle.
There’s clearly history for Kemar Roofe at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne, with the forward scoring his last goal for Anderlecht at the stadium.
However, the ‘A’ and ‘L’ signs made by the striker weren’t an attempt to provoke the opposition, but instead tributes to his daughters, Alarnie and Luna.
That revelation will surely have left the Standard backroom staff and some of their players a little red-faced this morning.
