Steven Gerrard breaks silence on Alfredo Morelos stamp as Rangers boss critiques SFA disciplinary process

Steven Gerrard admits he could not defend Alfredo Morelos after the Rangers striker was handed a three-game ban but is looking for more consistency in the disciplinary process.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard (right) admitted he could not defend striker Alfredo Morelos over the stamp that earned a three-match ban (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

The Colombian will miss Scottish Premiership games against St Johnstone, Hamilton and Kilmarnock after the Ibrox club opted not to challenge an SFA notice of complaint for stamping on Hibs defender Ryan Porteous.

"I have looked at the incident a lot of times and I don't think there is a case for us to defend in this situation," said Rangers boss Gerrard.

"Having said that, it doesn't mean we are pleased with everything that happened in that game or has happened during this season or previous seasons.

"So it is something behind the scenes that myself and the board are working very hard on in terms of trying to find better solutions in terms of the disciplinary and the processes that go on.

"It is something we will continue to try to be a support to in terms of the authorities to try and make things better and more consistent."

Ahead of the home game against Saints on Wednesday, Gerrard added: "It is obviously disappointing from my point of view not to have Alfredo available. It is what it is and my focus is on the players that are available."

Asked for a flavour of his concerns about the disciplinary process, Gerrard said: "Consistency. That is what every manager wants, a level of consistency for every player or every incident if you like to be judged in the same way so we find that level of consistency.

"I think that will really help the league moving forward."