Gerrard charge leaves Rangers baffled
Confusion from Ibrox club as SFA rule ‘ not proven’
RANGERS last night expressed their bemusement at the unsuccessful Scottish FA charge brought against manager Steven Gerrard after the case was found to be not proven at a Hampden hearing.
The Ibrox boss was charged by the Compliance Officer, Clare Whyte, for comments made in the aftermath of the victory over Dundee United last month.
But no further action was taken against Gerrard after a delayed disciplinary hearing on Monday, an outcome that Rangers insisted was ‘ unsurprising’ as attentions turn to matters on the park following the international break.
Gerrard was unhappy with a reckless challenge from defender Ryan Edwards that forced striker Alfredo Morelos off with a nasty gash on his leg during the Premiership win.
Referee Kevin Clancy took no action against Edwards for the tackle and, speaking following a 4- 0 victory, Gerrard said: “I only got a good view of it after the game. There’s obviously a follow through there, I don’t want to stand here and say a kid should be sent off, of course I don’t.
“What would be interesting is if it was the other way around what the decision would have been.”
Rangers insisted they were ‘ bemused’ at the ‘ bizarre’ charge issued against Gerrard and vowed to ‘ robustly contest’ it at a Hampden hearing.
That process started on Friday but had to be adjourned due to technical issues with the Zoom connection and both parties reconvened on Monday.
Gerrard was charged with breaching Disciplinary Rule 72, which deals with criticism and comments directed towards match officials, but Rangers were successful in their defence of the 40- year- old as a unanimous verdict was reached.
Gerrard now won’t face further action as he prepares for the first Old Firm clash of the season with Celtic on Saturday and a club statement on Monday evening read: “Rangers are unsurprised at the outcome of today’s hearing but remain bemused that the charge was brought against our manager Steven Gerrard in the first place. We now look forward to focussing on more important matters on the field of play.”