Every wee while they like to trot out the line about how Alfredo Morelos is growing up, showing maturity in his play. In reality it means that he isn’t getting caught out for his usual sneaky, aggressive actions on the football pitch.
Deliberately arriving late with a boot, arm or leg to an opponent clearing the ball has become a trademark that most Scottish referees conveniently decide to miss as they follow the ball.
Against Dundee United Morelos delivered a very late and deliberate forearm into Mark Reynolds as the defender kept his eye on the ball, heading it clear before being smashed in the face.
Deliberate elbow in the face by #Morelos
Red card all the way pic.twitter.com/vwGnpruDOP— MuchWilder (@muchwilder) December 13, 2020
Shockingly the incident was viewed by Steven McLean who issued a yellow card for a deliberate attack on an opponent.
McLean, whose younger brother Brian made a few appearances for the old Ibrox club and for the Northern Ireland u-21 side despite being ineligible, decided that it was only worth a yellow card.
Back in 2015 the same referee missed Josh Meekings handling a netbound header from Leigh Griffiths with Celtic leading 1-0 in a Scottish Cup semi-final. That decision didn’t hinder McLean, a year later he was rewarded by being put in charge of the Scottish Cup Final. Next Sunday John Beaton will referee the Celtic v Hearts Scottish Cup Final.