Latest News

Desperate Gerrard reaches for the violin over referee decisions

|
Image for Desperate Gerrard reaches for the violin over referee decisions

Five weeks ago, from the comfort of his side’s luxury Dubai training resort Steven Gerrard was asked about the two match SFA suspension handed out to Ryan Christie.

“You can cry wolf and get the violin out if you want but the reality is, you have to get on with it,” the Ibrox boss told Sky Sports, generating headlines elsewhere.

It was the comment of a rookie manager. One that roars into the camera as if his side have lifted a trophy when they win a derby match. Winning a derby is sweet but we are forever told that in isolation those matches mean little.

In 1997/98 Wim Jansen won one, drew one and lost twice in the derby matches against Walter Smith. Wim is a Celtic hero.

Yesterday, feeling sore after seeing his side slip 10 points behind Celtic, knowing that his rivals had came up with a late winner at Aberdeen things got a little too much for Gerrard.

Criticism is starting to fall on his shoulders. Predictable team selections, tactics and substitutions are being questioned by fans who are realising that there might not be a title party in May.

Rather than take responsibility for the gap at the top of the table Gerrard is blaming match officials.

After beating Livingston 1-0 in a quickly re-arranged fixture the Ibrox boss told The Sun:

I don’t like talking about officials, especially after a defeat, because you can look like you have the violins out or are looking for excuses. But after a win I think the timing is right and I must say I was disappointed in them today.

The result is very important to us but people will probably look at the highlights of this game and think Rangers rode their luck because they hit the post. But if we had the right officials today that would have been a 3-0.

If we score the penalty, which I am not sure you would back us right now. We could have been out of sight and more comfortable if the officiating was better.

[ad_pod id=”rezonence”]

On Thursday night VAR will be in operation at Ibrox for the Europa League match against Braga.

Share this article

Online and independent- the only way to be. Enjoying instant news access and reaction, following the trends if not an influencer!