DONS FEEL HARSHLY TREATED TOO, SAYS McINNES

ABERDEEN boss Derek McInnes has told Steven Gerrard he is wrong if he believes Rangers are the only team being harshly treated by officials. Responding to the news that Alfredo Morelos’ red card against the Dons last Sunday has been downgraded to a yellow on appeal, McInnes revealed he is still smarting over the three-game ban handed down to Shay Logan from last season. And although McInnes (pictured) claimed to have some sympathy for those in charge of making decisions at the sharp end, he insisted that every team gets its share of poor calls from referees. Gerrard claimed it seemed as if ‘the world was against Rangers’ after Morelos was sent off 12 minutes into last weekend’s Premiership opener for kicking out at Scott McKenna after the Dons defender had barged into him twice. He also maintained they had been singled out for bad treatment ‘for seasons’ in the wake of the 1-1 draw at Pittodrie. Asked how he felt about Morelos’ reprieve, McInnes said: ‘I don’t think you’re ever surprised with these things, but it’s not isolated to one club about being harshly treated. We feel aggrieved that Shay is suspended at the moment after the final game of last season (against Celtic). ‘I said at the time I felt he got involved but, having looked at the footage and spoken to the ref, I don’t see a red-card offence. He’s ended up with a ban for just a little scuffle. ‘There was no physical contact, no kicking out or anything like that, there was nothing. ‘We appealed the ban, but it was unsuccessful, so we’re feeling the consequences of that. We feel harshly treated and it happens to every club, things go for you and against you.’ McInnes refused to comment on Gerrard’s claim Rangers were a class above the Dons, but admitted: ‘Rangers were the better team and we didn’t play anywhere near what we’re capable of. We made positive changes, but didn’t play well enough when they went to ten men. ‘We haven’t been at our best and still came away with a point, so that’s a positive.’ McInnes is still hoping to add at least one new player to his squad before tomorrow’s trip to Dundee — a defender the priority with McKenna, Mark Reynolds and Tommie Hoban out injured plus Logan’s suspension. The early closure of the English transfer window hasn’t helped but he is hopeful of getting business done now it has closed. ‘We are trying to get people in but it has been difficult,’ he added. ‘The clubs in England don’t know what they’re doing yet, with the window closing so early, they are all sorting what they’re doing first. ‘There is a new intensity and pressure on them to deliver, which impacts us as we are always waiting on the fallout from their decisions. ‘So we are hopeful of getting a bit more clarity on the options we have looked at now their window is closed.’