Gerrard’s fury may soon turn to title smile

FURIOUS Rangers boss Steven Gerrard told John Beaton he was “out of order” after being sent off following a sensational half-time bust-up with the official at Livingston.

The Light Blues boss reacted with outrage when Beaton booked Alfredo Morelos for a penalty-box dive despite Livi keeper Max Stryjek clearly clipping the Colombian as he hit the deck just before the break at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

Gerrard then let rip at the referee as he marched on to the field to confront him – with Beaton responding by flashing two yellow cards. And he repeated his words after watching from the stand as his side snatched a 1-0 win with Morelos’ 87th-minute winner – which leaves them just four points from title glory.

“It’s a blatant penalty, it’s a stonewaller,” he said. “I’m someone who wants to support officials because we are all human and we will make a mistake.

“But what I can’t stand for at this level is three people making the same mistake. They all had clear views of it. I could see it and I’m the furthest away.”

With Rangers potentially set for a Premiership title party when they head to Celtic Park on March 21, Gerrard could be forced to watch the celebrations from the stand.

But he said: “I’m not worried. I’m looking forward to beating St Mirren. That’s my only worry. If someone wants to stop me being on the side of a pitch, don’t worry – I’ll celebrate when the time comes.”