Noel Whelan has blasted Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos for slapping Scott Brown during his side's 2-0 win over Celtic on Saturday.
TV cameras caught Morelos clipped Brown on the back of the head at a free kick during the first half of the derby at Celtic Park.
And former Aberdeen striker Whelan insist sit was a 'petulant and childish' move that could have changed the game in Celtic's favour if referee John Beaton had sent Morelos off.
Morelos has twice seen red in games against Celtic with the first of those for lashing out at Brown in a March 2019 defeat.
The Colombian didn't manage to score but did cause some problems for Shane Duffy, Kristoffer Ajer and Stephen Welsh at the heart of Celtic's defence.
And Whelan said he should be focusing on breaking his duck instead of worrying about causing trouble on the pitch.
He told Football Insider: “ Steven Gerrard appeared to have cut out that petulance from his game but it is still down there, deep down.
"We saw it come out again and that moment could have been pivotal in the game. It could have been a game-changer. You cannot do that.
“You cannot raise your hand to anybody. It is a deliberate, aggressive movement towards another player. It is a red card by anyone’s books.
"It is horrible to see that creep back into his game. For me, it is unacceptable. It is petulant and childish. He should be worrying about getting on the scoresheet.”
