Gerrard rues lack of VAR as Rangers pay penalty

● Morelos puts Rangers in front before Swiss champions capitalise on Tavernier errors to snatch victory in Bern

Steven Gerrard rued the absence of VAR after claiming Rangers were denied a “blatant” penalty before a last-gasp Young Boys winner saw them suffer a 2-1 defeat in their Europa League clash.

After a Roger Assale strike early in the second half had cancelled out Alfredo Morelos’ opener, Rangers had a strong penalty appeal waved away when mo re loswasbr ought down in the box.

The officials were unmoved and, soon after a superb save from David Von Ballmoos prevented Morelos from putting Rangers 2-1 up in the 90th minute, they conceded in the third minute of stoppage time as Christian Fassnacht made the most of a James Tavernier error to send Rangers home from Bern empty-handed.

All four teams in Group G now have three points.

Gerrard admitted his side only had themselves to blame for the goals they conceded but felt they should have been awarded a spot-kick before the added-time winner.

He said: “Football can be cruel at times. We’ve got ourselves to blame. I think we’ve gifted Young Boys a victory tonight.

“Big moments in the game have gone against us. I think if we had VAR tonight they would have had a second yellow with

YOUNG BOYS

2-0 in the pool’s other game last night.

The sides cancelled each other out in the early stages as both teams enjoyed plenty of possession but created few clear-cut chances.

Jean Pierre Nsame missed the game’s first meaningful opportunity when he stabbed the ball wide from close range following some good buildup play from Fassnacht and Assale.

Morelos darted into the box and shot at goal in the 36th minute but his tame effort was easily gathered by home