Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard hasn’t been a fan of recent social media posts involving Rangers players, sending a warning to his squad that there will be punishments if it continues, as reported by The Daily Record.
Stars including Allan McGregor, Jon Flanagan, Joe Worrall and Connor Goldson have all been filmed in recent weeks in a boozed up state, images that aren’t exactly a boost to their reputation as professional athletes and Rangers players.
Gerrard understands that the squad must find time to enjoy themselves on occasion, but feels there are limits to the behaviour that goes on.
As quoted by The Daily Record, the Rangers manager said:
I have seen it and I have spoken to the players about it. We will deal with that internally but I have made it quite clear I was unhappy about it and the conduct.
Hopefully after the words said to the players, situations like that won’t happen again. If they do, players will be severely punished for it.
Look, at a players awards night, especially with the time off we gave them after it, the players are entitled to enjoy themselves, have a good night and be in the company of the supporters who were excellent on the night.
I am not one of these managers who wants them live indoors and not come out. We give them the respect they deserve and we expect the same respect back. They have to take responsibility for their own behaviour on a night out. That’s it.
Gerrard’s stance on this is completely fair enough. The players have every right to blow off some steam every now and again but must guard against others intent on filming them or taking part in shenanigans that reflect badly on themselves and club.
The Rangers boss, as a former English Premier League star and England international, knows better than anyone the pressures of media and image when it comes to socialising and clear doesn’t want to be too harsh with the players, but hopefully the steps he has taken ensures these kind of videos do not surface again.