Steven Gerrard’s Dundee reaction saw him lash out at his players for a dreadful performance. Today, however, he’s had a pop at the officials.
Rangers were held to a dismal 1-1 draw at Dens Park. This saw the Rangers manager ultimately call out his stars for their dismal efforts. He also stated that this could be the last time many of them get chances in his side.
It could’ve been all so different, however. Kyle Lafferty scored a perfectly good goal in the first half, only for it to be ruled out for a mysterious offside decision. Going 2-1 up against 10 men would surely have killed the game in Rangers’ favour.
Gerrard stated after the game that the decision didn’t cost Rangers and that there were no excuses. Today, however, he’s had a pop at the match delegate for their role in Lafferty’s goal.
“It looked OK to me. The delegate asked me if I had anything to say about the officials, but before I could open my mouth he walked past me and left.
““He said, ‘Was everything all right?’ and woooof – he was off!
“I’d have asked him what he thought of our second goal and I’d have liked an answer. He must have plans because he was gone sharpish.”
Woeful standard of officiating
It must be said that the standard of officiating all-round this season is at an incredible low. Decision after decision is brought up on a now weekly basis, and it’s costing all sides in the division points they should be getting.
In the space of a week, Rangers have had two calls that went for and against them, which should’ve been the other way around. Alfredo Morelos scored an offside goal at Tynecastle that was given, before Lafferty was denied on Sunday when clearly onside.
Added to that, we’ve had the ridiculous Rangers vs Willie Collum incident. Daniel Candeias and Morelos have both had incredibly harsh red cards this season, and it isn’t reflecting well on the SFA and Scottish football.
The delegate’s treatment of Gerrard is embarrassing if this is the whole story. Referees in Scotland don’t seem to care about how anyone else on the pitch feels.
Gerrard isn’t happy with what happened yesterday, and he must be laughing at the standard of refereeing he’s seeing this season, particularly given it’s his first year in Scotland.
It feels that this season, referees are putting themselves in the spotlight more often than usual. One way or another – that needs to stop.
