Referee Steven McLean phoned Steven Gerrard to apologise for his blunder against Hibernian after a behind-the-scenes exchange between the pair at Easter Road, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper claim the Rangers manager sought out McLean to ask for an explanation after the official blundered by failing to spot a foul on James Tavernier in the build up to the Hibees goal in Friday’s 1-1 draw.
The Scottish Sun report the referee vowed to study the TV footage and, having done so, McLean contacted Gerrard by phone to admit he got it wrong.
OPINION
As Gerrard pointed out at his media conference on Monday without alluding to phone exchange with McLean, the error was critical to the outcome of Friday’s draw at Easter Road. Without it, the subsequent talk would have been of a tough away win from Rangers on a taxing evening. That Gerrard’s side did not secure all three points was unfortunate and undeserved. The answer, though, is not to demonise match officials and shame them for getting it wrong. These things happen, in every league and at every level. What they need in Scotland is better education and support from their bosses and the top-flight manager. Credit to McLean for holding his hand up and ringing Gerrard to apologise. That is a classy act and one that deserves respect from Bears. They should not be slating him for being incompetent, as some have done on social media in the wake of what was a frustrating evening.