All it took was two goals to sink Motherwell on the weekend. The 2-0 victory kept Rangers in touching distance of the league leaders and helped them regain some momentum after a slow start to December (BBC). But while the win itself was great news for the team and the fans, the match was not without controversy.
After scoring his goal, Alfredo Morelos received a second yellow from the referee after directing his celebration at the Motherwell fans. Morelos had been receiving abuse from the home support for a majority of the match, and the celebration was a small retaliation. As soon as the second yellow was shown, Rangers fans were left in disbelief.
They couldn’t believe the call and suggested that the referee had lost the plot. One supporter pointed out that Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy directs his goal celebrations to opposition fans every week in the Premier League.
Don Roberston has lost the plot
— Berget (@HeroicHelander) December 15, 2019
What on earth is that referee doing?
— Jamie Winchcomb (@JamieWinchcomb) December 15, 2019
That’s the worst red card ever, brutal decision from the referee. Absolutely killing the game
— Every other Saturday (@CF3Loyal) December 15, 2019
Shocking sent off for daring to celebrate a goal.
— Brian (@BMAC1872) December 15, 2019
Jamie Vardy does it every week and never gets booked. Pathetic referring
— Macca (@MaccaLFC_) December 15, 2019
Do you think the red was only shown because it was Morelos?
Yes
No
One fan reckoned that the referee had been waiting all game to send the Colombian off. Another believes that the league’s referees have been collectively waiting for an opportunity to do so since the first game of the season.
Referee has been itching to send him off all game, sent off for celebrating whilst getting pelted by all sorts from their fans, what a joke
— Rhys Gale (@rhysmgale) December 15, 2019
If that’s any other player in the league it’s ignored. That’s the ref trying to make it about himself.
— GM (@Mac2372) December 15, 2019
They’ve Been desperate to give him a red all season.
— Joyful (@weegie71) December 15, 2019
What do we think?
Whether the red card was deserved or not, Morelos will serve out his suspension. But these fans aren’t convinced the punishment fits the crime. One thing is for sure. With the form Morelos has been in this season, he will come back hungrier than ever.