Rumour Mill: McCulloch apology | Dixon

Rangers' Lee McCulloch being sent off against Hearts. Picture: Jane Barlow

Rangers captain Lee McCulloch has apologised to fans and management after being red-carded in yesterday’s win over Hearts.

McCulloch was given a straight red after lunging into Hearts striker Osman Sow to contest a high ball, catching the player in the jaw with an elbow.

In an interview with BT Sport, he said: “I felt as though I was caught in no man’s land; if he won the header, there would have been a runner in.

“There was no intent whatsoever, I can say that honestly, but obviously I’m disappointed.” (The Scotsman)

- Rangers boss Stuart McCall admitted he hadn’t see the challenge but will be having talks with McCulloch after Sunday’s incident.

He said: “I haven’t seen the red card yet. I spoke to Bobby Madden coming off because I didn’t see it live. All I was interested in was Zeefuik going through the middle.” (The Scottish Sun)

Dundee United in open civil war

Paul Dixon has urged a troubled Tannadice to push for more harmony as a bitter civil war escalates at Dundee United.

Arabs supporters have been dismayed at a disastrous campaign after what was a promising start to the season. Dundee United haven’t won a game since their home league victory against St Mirren at the end of January.

The sale of Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven to Celtic, and the bombshell revelation at that manager Jackie McNamara received a bonus from the deals, has left fans in open revolt. (Scottish Daily Express)

- Dixon has called for the condemnation of chairman Stephen Thompson to send first and foremost. He said: “It is not easy sitting in the morning before training or maybe afterwards at lunch and reading in the papers that the fans are battering your chairman.

“It is Stephen Thompson’s club and he is running it the way he sees fit.” (Daily Record)

Delight in players’ pain

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson said he was ‘pleased’ yesterday at how devastated his side were following their loss to Rangers at Ibrox.

The Championship title holders had the season wrapped up by 22nd March but were urged by Neilson not to let one match take the lustre off an exceptional season.

“It’s pleasing that we’ve come to Ibrox and lost 2-1 and everyone is devastated. You have to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

“Of course I’m disappointed. We didn’t start well and we lost two poor goals.” (Scottish Daily Mail)

IN BRIEF

• Liverpool gaffer Brendan Rodgers has blasted players as the team face a major dressing-room crisis. The Anfield boss called a meeting at Melwood training ground where he confronted his players for not playing for him. (Daily Mirror)

• Louis van Gaal is ramping up the pressure on rivals Manchester City ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby, insisting they will face a different Manchester United at Old Trafford. (Scottish Daily Mail)

• Praise has been heaped on Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring an impressive five goals - including a hat-trick in eight minutes - in Real Madrid’s 9 - 1 routing of Granada. (Daily Mirror/The Herald)

Rumour Mill: McCulloch apology | Dixon | Neilson