Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HE IS NOT AN IDIOT.. HE’S MORVELLOUS
Gers boss defends controversial striker
BY
MICHAEL BEALE has hit back at Neil Mccann after the former Rangers winger branded Alfredo Morelos “an idiot” for his Var-delayed goal celebration in front of the Hearts fans at Tynecastle on Wednesday night.
The Colombian notched twice as Gers won 3-0 and while BBC pundit Mccann (right, top) conceded Morelos was excellent, he was adamant that his knee slide and fingers to his lips did nothing but antagonise the home support.
Beale, though, is adamant the criticism was over the top as he predicted Mccann will regret his comments and defended Morelos, whom he believes gets far more stick than he gives out.
The Rangers manager (right, bottom) said: “I don’t agree with that. The Hearts supporters were mainly trying to incite Alfredo for the whole 90 plus minutes.
“If we’re going to say players can’t celebrate goals now we may as well stop the game.
“There was a long stoppage for that goal and I think when he celebrated he was 20-plus yards from them. When we score our second goal and our first goal, we’re two yards from their fans.
“We’re not going to run 150 yards to our own fans.
“We’ve got to celebrate the goal. What do you want us to do, not celebrate?
“When I heard about it this morning, I thought, ‘bloody hell, can we not concentrate on the performance on the pitch.’
“Neil is my friend outside of this conversation, sometimes we can make a big deal out of something – but we have to celebrate goals.
“I think Neil is on the radio, he’s passionate, he’s played for both clubs and he’s trying to be impartial.
“He’s said what he’s said and I think he’ll regret that maybe more than maybe Alfredo celebrated.”
Mccann had said:
“There he’s away again, the boy’s an idiot.
“The boy’s an idiot. I just don’t understand it.
“He gets his goal and I think he has been good tonight, but I don’t know why he is doing that.
“He is just antagonising the Hearts fans and all it takes is someone taking umbrage to that and launching themselves over the barriers.
“There’s no need, maybe it’s a bit strong to call him that, but I don’t see why he wants to do it.”
Beale insisted he was delighted with Morelos and is adamant he has not given up hope that the striker – and Ryan Kent – will sign new deals at the end of the season.
He added: “Alfredo is playing regularly, he’s enjoying his football and we’re creating a lot of chances.
“I think he could have a few more goals if I am honest.
“But that’s two away at Kilmarnock and two away at Hearts in the last two midweeks.
“I am over the moon with Alfredo at the moment, he’s no bother to me around the building.”