Charlie Nicholas has launched an impassioned defence of Alfredo Morelos and reckons the striker is just misunderstood.
The Rangers striker had earned praise for his improved disciplinary record this season before the Colombian was sent off against Motherwell on Sunday for a gesture aimed at the home supporters.
But former Celtic star Nicholas reckons those who dish it out from the stands must take their share of the blame.
Missiles were launched at the 27-goal striker, including a bovril cup, moments before Don Robertson showed the Rangers star his second yellow card against the Steelmen.
And the Sky Sports pundit believes now is the time for clubs to take a hardline stance on those who let their clubs down.
Nicholas told the Express: "When I played and you got abuse Billy McNeill used to say to me take it as a compliment - it might not feel like it but it is.
"It is unfair on Alfredo because he is a young player from South America who I'm sure doesn't fully grasp the anger and the hatred that is directed at him from Scottish stands.
"Alfredo, though, has been here long enough and must know that he will get abuse in every away ground and can see on their faces that some opposition fans might detest him.
"But these clowns who are throwing things at pitches and abusing players continue to get away with it.
"Has the person who threw the Bovril at him at Fir Park been banned? These people don't care about the consequences of their actions, because there often are none. Clubs have to get tougher and start taking the initiative."
