Alfredo Morelos might not have got the goal that he wanted against Celtic, but he certainly got under their skin. They’re desperate to have him reprimanded.
Clutching at straws for any semblance of hope in a harrowing defeat, the cries of Brother Beaton and cheating have rung loud and clear. Most right thinking people agree Rangers ran out deserved winners.
So why all this commotion over Morelos?
Three “incidents” involving striker
Well, there were three cheeky off the ball incidents from the striker. One on Scott Brown, who it’s laughable to suggest doesn’t show the same brinksmanship. Maybe not a boot in the gonads, but a kick to the head isn’t poor form for the midfielder.
His challenge on Daniel Candeias was a sickener. We’ve heard very little on that subject. Or on the fact he totally manhandled Arfield to the ground in midfield when he was surging into the box as Morelos broke through. He should’ve been off for two yellows, that’s a fact.
The other two concern moments where Morelos grabbed Christie’s privates and left the boot in on Ralston. Being honest, the one on Ralston would’ve been very harsh had it seen red. It was a nothingness.
The thing is, when Morelos is booted up and down the park it’s him who has to contend with it. Often, this infringes on the laws of the game as well. Morelos doesn’t moan and instead just gives as good as he gets – and he is completely victimised by opposition players, fans and commentators for doing so.
It might be something do with the fact he’s the Rangers talisman. He’s a handful of a player and they know it. Or it might be to do with how he plays.
The fact there was very little said during the game shows what the Celtic players thought at the time, but also what the viewers thought. There’s a lot of pain about the manner of this Rangers win. This feels like a part of it.
That said, the Colombian also has a cheeky streak in him.
Morelos also has to take responsibility
In this case, I think Morelos’ number might be up. For nothing more than the tug on Christie’s privates. Steven MacLean at Hearts got a two-match ban for a similar incident in October.
The thing is, Morelos also needs to wisen up. On another day that could’ve been a red and he’s putting his teammates in jeopardy with these kick outs. He has to stop taking the bait and focus on his game.
But overplayed calls of outrage and for the man to suffer majorly are because these fans and journalists are suffering themselves. And Morelos is an easy target for an outpouring of rage. There wouldn’t be anywhere near the coverage and comments for, well, for anyone in the league.
How much the wee man winds everyone else up is enthralling. And whilst he might get reprimanded, get used to him being a constant thorn in the opposition’s side.
Because it also looks like Alfredo is going nowhere come January.
