Steven Gerrard has called for referees in Scotland to be made professional in a bid to root out inconsistencies - and suggested Premiership sides should foot the bill.
Rangers were left fuming after forward Kemar Roofe was banned for two games for a late tackle on St Johnstone’s Murray Davidson, earning him a yellow card at the time.
However the case was then escalated to SFA’s disciplinary panel, who retrospectively handed the striker a suspension meaning he will miss the home double header against Kilmarnock and Dundee United.
It prompted a furious statement from the Gers on social media, with the club taking aim at “confusion” over the process which leads to decisions being referred to a three-man panel of former referees who have the final decision.
Striker Alfredo Morelos has twice been banned by the disciplinary panel retrospectively this season, once for an arm in the face of Dundee United's Mark Connolly and once for a stamp on Hibs' Ryan Porteous.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon proved an unlikely ally earlier this week when he backed those claims, adding that the Old Firm sides were being “unfairly scrutinised” and subjected to “trial by tv” because their matches are more high profile than others in the Scottish Premiership.
Lennon was speaking after his own forward Albian Ajeti's simulation case was found 'not proven' by the governing body.
Gerrard insisted that match officials deserve support from players and managers alike, but continuing as part-time workers would not improve standards.
The Ibrox boss wants Scotland to follow in the footsteps of the Premier League down south by bumping officials up to full-time contracts, while also introducing goal line technology to top flight games.
“We must trust and support referees otherwise you’re going to have inconsistencies,” he said.
“There are far worse situations and challenges that don't even get looked upon. That's not right and we need to have a level of consistency.
“The referees do a terrific job considering they are part-time but if we can give them more support financially to become full-time and introduce goal-line technology it will help improve the game for everyone in Scotland.
