Rangers boss Steven Gerrard called for consistency in the disciplinary process but some reckon his side are getting consistently bad calls in their favour from officials.
The Ibrox gaffer accepted a retrospective ban for Alfredo Morelos following a stamp on Ryan Porteous in the win over Hibs but Darren McGregor escaped punishment despite a similar incident in the same game.
That led to Gerrard asking for fairness but Hotline callers pointed to the fact Morelos escaped a red card on the night which was followed up by Kemar Roofe only being booked for a challenge worthy of a sending off in the midweek win over St Johnstone as evidence Rangers are benefiting from officials.
Davie Ferguson, Gorbals, said: “Steven Gerrard speaks about inconsistencies with the SFA judicial process but I don’t hear him saying anything about the refereeing inconsistencies.
“What about the stonewall penalties not given against his team? Also, in the last two games two of his players - Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe - should have been sent off.”
John Scott, Chesterfield, said: “If Steven Gerrard truly wants a level and fair playing field for all our teams then let’s start dishing out well deserved red cards to Rangers and Celtic players during games, not days later.
“That would signify the Rangers manager’s wish for consistency had truly arrived. Two consecutive games Rangers should have finished with ten players.”
Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, said: “How on earth did Kemar Roofe manage to get off with a yellow card for that brutal tackle on Murray Davidson?
“I am sure all genuine Rangers fans must have been equally appalled at what could well have been a season-ending injury.”
John Graham, Blantyre, said: “Kemar Roofe’s tackle was shocking. It should have been a straight red card, especially as the referee was standing right in front of it.
“Not for the first time the referee bottled it at Ibrox.”
Lewis Fotheringham, Mount Ellen, said: “Kemar Roofe should have had a red card but what about the St Johnstone player’s high boot on Steven Davis in the second half? There has been no mention of that, even though it was almost identical to the challenge on Scott McTominay during Manchester United’s game against Southampton.”
Veteran Saints midfielder Murray Davidson was the victim of Roofe’s challenge and is a Betfred Cup final doubt but it’s as a result of a separate injury picked up at Ibrox.
David Yates emailed: “Kemar Roofe’s challenge was on Murray Davidson’s left leg but when he later went down he received treatment on his right leg and ankle.
“This has been ignored by those blaming Roofe for the possibility of Davidson missing the Betfred Cup final.”
Despite the recent decisions highlighted, Gers fans insist they have nothing to do with the huge gap between the Old Firm this season.
Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: “So Celtic supporters are reverting to type, focusing on referees again claiming they’re biased.
“Have referees stopped them defeating a top six side since September? Were referees responsible for their abysmal European ru
“Were referees responsible for the home defeats to Ross County and St Mirren and the other draws against bottom six sides?”
Drew Ferguson, Oban, said: “So if Rangers are getting preferential treatment from the referees why was Odsonne Edouard not sent off for a terrible tackle on Peter Pawlett or Shane Duffy for a cynical tackle on Ryan Kent and even Curtis Main’s dangerous tackle on Borna Barisic at Aberdeen?”
To rub salt into Celtic’s wounds, Albian Ajeti was hit with a two-game ban for diving to win a penalty in the victory over Kilmarnock in midweek.
Alfie Mullin, London, said: “Albian Ajeti shouldn’t be the only Celtic player charged with simulation. Most of the Celtic team have been guilty of simulating footballers for most of the season.
“ Neil Lennon is also guilty of simulating a manager.”
