Gerrard plans to shake up system for SFA discipline

STEVEN GERRARD admitted he is unhappy with inconsistencies in the SFA judicial process yesterday and revealed he is working on plans to improve the disciplinary system in Scotland in conjunction with the Rangers board.

The Ibrox club accepted a three-match ban for their striker Alfredo Morelos, who was cited for a stamp on Ryan Porteous of Hibernian at Easter Road last Wednesday night, on Monday.

Gerrard declined to comment on the governing body’s decision not to take retrospective action against Hibs defender Darren McGregor, who was involved in a similar flashpoint with Glen Kamara in the same game.

However, the former Liverpool and England captain confirmed he is involved in ongoing discussions with Rangers directors about how SFA practices can be refined to achieve greater uniformity in future.

“I don’t really focus or concentrate on other players or teams, so I don’t think you’ll find an opinion from me on that situation,” he said.

“We have accepted the Alfredo situation. Part of my and my coaching staff’s strategy this season was to really calm the noise down around the club, the negative noise, and really focus on the important things – the team and the next challenge in front of us.

“So we have accepted [the ban], but that doesn’t mean we are totally happy with that situation or the consistencies throughout the league.

“We are working behind the scenes, myself and the board, in terms of trying to find a way to move forward and improve the system – the decisions that go on throughout the league.

“That’s for another day. The important thing for me now is just to focus on the next game and next challenge, focus on the players who are available.”

Rangers take on St Johnstone in the Premiership this evening and Gerrard is confident, with Kemar Roofe back from injury and Cedric Itten fit, that he has cover for Morelos and Jermain Defoe, who is also sidelined.

“Alfredo is not available,” he said. “I would like to focus and concentrate on the players that are available. We move forward with the players who are available. Jermaine Defoe is still injured so we have less options in the forward areas, but the focus is very much on the squad that is available to contribute rather than Alfredo.”