Steven Gerrard hits out at John Beaton as Rangers boss accepts one-match ban

Steven Gerrard on the field at the Tony Macaroni Arena as he remonstrates with referee John Beaton. Picture: SNS

The Ibrox boss stormed onto the pitch at half-time during his side’s 1-0 victory over Livingston to remonstrate with referee John Beaton following a wrongful yellow card given to Alfredo Morelos for diving.

He was given two yellow cards in quick succession. A date of March 25 was set for a hearing if he wanted to contest the ban but has decided to accept the punishment.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Gerrard said he’s apologised for his conduct. However, he has also criticised the attitude of referee John Beaton, both in terms of his conduct during the incident and his failure to reach out to Gerrard afterwards.

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson was similarly critical of the official after receiving a red card at the end of his side’s 3-2 defeat to Raith Rovers in the Scottish Championship in January.

Gerrard referenced Neilson’s case as he revealed sporting director Ross Wilson had voiced their concerns with head of refereeing operations at the Scottish FA, Crawford Allan.

He said: "After the game, I immediately apologised for my part in the incident at half time in our game v Livingston.

"I reiterate that apology and accept a one game suspension. As a club, we were extremely disappointed in the attitude displayed by the referee.

"We expect to have the ability for managers and officials to have discussion, but frustratingly, the referee was not forthcoming. This has also been noted by other managers in recent weeks.

"After my apology post match, I expected the referee to call to apologise for his part in the incident but I didn’t hear from him.

"Ross Wilson had a long, frank and honest discussion with Crawford Allan today. Be in no doubt that our concerns have been made very clear and we are pleased that they were received openly by Crawford.”

Gerrard will be free to roam the touchline when Rangers play Celtic next weekend. A win over St Mirren will put the league leaders within a point of the title.

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