Steven Gerrard hits out at 'damaging' Covid ban for Nathan Patterson as Rangers boss explains reasons for appeal

Steven Gerrard has questioned the SFA ban given to Nathan Patterson after the teenage right-back produced another stand-out display in the Scottish Cup win over Cove.

Rangers' Nathan Patterson (L) celebrates making it 4-0 with Scott Arfield during a Scottish Cup Third Round tie between Rangers and Cove Rangers at Ibrox Stadium, on April 04, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Patterson was one of five Rangers players handed six-match suspensions last week for a breach in covid protocols earlier this year – but he and Calvin Bassey were available to play in the third round tie after the Ibrox side appealed the decision.

Both performed well in the 4-0 win – but Gerrard believes the SFA should reconsider last week’s judgement.

"I was pleased with both full-backs. Calvin hasn't played for a long time so I thought he did everything he needed to do. Nathan is growing and growing, game by game. It's a shame that he is going to miss games moving forward. I'm not too happy over that and I'm not sure Steve Clarke will be very happy as well because unfortunately he's going to have a big ban now.

“The reason for the appeal is obvious – we think it’s harsh in terms of what went on on the night.

“We don’t think everything has been taken into consideration when you are talking about the boys in terms of age and how damaging it could be for them in their careers moving forward.

“You are talking about one of the brightest prospects ever in terms of right back. This kid is going to go and play for Scotland and all of a sudden the SFA want to ban him for that long. I don’t see it. I don’t get it.”

Scott Wright was another player who caught the eye and Gerrard added: “Scott Wright was really energetic, you can see clearly where he can go to the next level in terms of his final pass and getting more power in his shooting. But I thought, considering it was his first start, it was a really strong performance.

“I made quite a few changes, gave people an opportunity and our players have certainly respected the opposition by putting in a strong showing.

“This cup has become a priority now. We are happy with the home draw and obviously it being Celtic now makes it even more interesting. It will be a tough challenge but one we're very much looking forward to.”

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