Steven Gerrard has blamed Scott Brown for the breakdown of discipline among his players.
In December Alfredo Morelos booted the Celtic skipper in the opening minutes, at the final whistle Scott Arfield mocked him with an impersonation of ‘The Broony’. Brown never reacted to either incident.
After 31 minutes of today’s match Alfredo Morelos was red carded for elbowing the Celtic midfielder, after Celtic’s second goal he was punched in the face by Ryan Kent while Andy Halliday squared up to Brown after the final whistle.
Asked about the incidents Gerrard told The Sun: “You’re playing against a player who loves to antagonise. Morelos and Kent are both provoked.
“Celtic fans have the right to celebrate but do it right in your race, Halliday has the right to protect his own people.
“The guy who antagonised it all from the beginning deserves to be punished as well. When you’re provoked, it’s only fair that both sides get punished in my view. We’ve hurt ourselves badly this season with a lack of discipline.”
Kent’s punch on Brown seems certain to attract the attention of the Compliance Officer which could result in a two match suspension.
Halliday was given a second yellow card after the final whistle which will rule him out of Wednesday’s match against Hearts alongside Morelos.
With just seven matches left to play, including a derby at Ibrox, Celtic are 13 points clear at the top of the SPFL on route to their eighth successive title win.