Motherwell captain says it was fun to watch Rangers player weep over broken nose

Motherwell's Peter Hartley has hit out at Rangers. Picture: SNS/Gary Hutchison

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Speaking to the press ahead of the fixture with Steven Gerrard’s team at Fir Park, Hartley brought up the controversial Betfred Cup semi-final where Steelmen striker Ryan Bowman broke the Portuguese centre-back’s nose with his elbow.

The incident left Cardoso, who has since returned to Portugal, covered in blood as Rangers fell to a 2-0 defeat at Hampden Park.

Rangers' Fabio Cardoso was left bloodied by Motherwell's Ryan Bowman. Picture: SNS/Craig Williamson

“When we cross the white line on Sunday there won’t be much respect shown to be honest,” he said.

“I think (Bowman) broke a boys nose didn’t he so that was fun to watch him weeping.”

It is not the first time Hartley has provoked Rangers ahead of a match. In the build-up to that semi-final the 30-year-old challenged striker Alfredo Morelos to a fight.

He said in October: “I don’t mind a physical fight — and if he wants one after the match as well, then I won’t be going anywhere!”