The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Gerrard ref criticism case not proved – SFA
Steven Gerrard will not face any SFA punishment after a disciplinary charge was found not proven. The Rangers boss was handed a notice of complaint for comments made in the wake of Dundee United defender Ryan Edwards’ challenge on Gers striker Alfredo Mo r e l o s during last month’s Premiership match at Ibrox.
The Colombian had to be stretchered off with a nasty gash after being caught by the Tannadice stopper’s follow through.
Edwards escaped punishment from referee Kevin Clancy and, speaking after the match, Gerrard said: “I’d be very interested to see what the decision would have been from the officials had the shoe been on the other foot and it was Alfredo who had made that tackle.”
Gerrard was accused of breaching rule 72 which covers comments which “indicate bias or incompetence” on the part of match officials but a disciplinary tribunal hearing yesterday found it “not proved”.
Rangers issued a statement on their official Twitter account which stated they were “unsurprised at the outcome of the hearing but remain bemused that the charge was brought against our manager Steven Gerrard in the first place”.
“We now look forward to focusing on more important matters on the field of play.”
Gerrard had faced the prospect of being banned from the touchline when his side face Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday but he can now take his
place in dugout.
Meanwhile, Celtic expressed more disappointment and frustration after Hatem Elhamed tested positive for Covid-19 while on international duty with Israel. The Hoops defender has to enter a 13-day period of isolation and will miss the Old Firm clash.
The news comes two days after the Scottish champions confirmed that Nir B i tt o n , E l h a m e d ’s Israel team-mate, was also out of the first Glasgow derby of the year after testing positive for coronavirus. the visitors’
Ryan Christie is self-isolating after being a close contact of Stuart Armstrong, who picked up the virus on international duty with Scotland, while striker Odsonne Edouard contracted the illness while with France Under-21s, but will reportedly return on Friday.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon will also be without winger James Forrest who is out with an ankle injury.
A statement on the club’s website read: “Celtic Football Club can confirm that Hatem Elhamed has tested positive for Covid-19 while on international duty and is now required to
enter a 13-day period of isolation in line with regulations in Israel.
“Our medical staff will maintain constant dialogue with him and will provide all required support.
“Everyone at the club sends Hatem our best wishes and, of course, we hope he makes a full recovery as soon as possible.
“We are, of course, disappointed and frustrated that another player on international duty has tested positive – during an international period which is continuing to present huge challenges for the club.”