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Former elite referee weighs in on Rangers star debate as club await action

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Former English Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos was being ‘playful’ during the weekend’s Old Firm Derby at Ibrox, as the club await potential SFA action for a number of incidents involving Celtic players.

The Colombian was again in superb form on Saturday, helping beat the Hoops 1-0 and heat up the Scottish Premiership title race.

However, he was again at the certain of disciplinary controversy and is set to find out this week whether he will be served a notice of complaint from the SFA compliance officer after tangling with Scott Brown, Anthony Ralston and Ryan Christie.

Dermot Gallagher was an English Premier League referee for 15 years and has in recent days played down the seriousness of Morelos’ actions.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, he said of the incidents with Brown and Christie:

I watched the whole game and I think that looks worse than it is to be honest. I think this is born out of frustration as well. He just gives him (Brown) a little kick. I don’t think it’s one where you’d go, he’s kicked him and really booted him. I think it’s just…let him know he’s there.

It’s born out of frustration, petulance. I think Ryan Christie did exceptionally well for him, to get up like that. It’s not what I would call, he’s punched someone violently. It’s almost playful if you like.

He was more critical of the player in relation to Ralston however, believing he could have avoided landing on the Celtic defender’s back with his right boot.

It’ll be interesting to see what action, if any, is taken by the SFA, especially in the wake of expert opinion like Gallagher’s.

Are Rangers set to be involved in another spat with the footballing authorities?

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