Steven Gerrard faces a potential sideline ban that could leave him in the stands for Rangers’ upcoming clash with Celtic.
Ibrox boss was sent off at halftime in Rangers’ clash with Livingston on Wednesday night after a furious clash with referee John Beaton.
Shortly before the interval, Alfredo Morelos was booked for the simulation, although he appears to have been regrouped on the ground by Livingston goalkeeper Max Stryjek.
The decision did not please Gerrard, who angrily faced the referee at the whistle after his calls were ignored by officials.
The Liverpool legend was heard screaming: ‘I know why you don’t talk to me, it’s because you made a mistake.
“You are down.”
Beaton had originally booked the 40-year-old but was relentless in his complaints and then received a second yellow.
You can watch Gerrard’s furious reaction, below …
Gerrard could now face a fate on the sidelines of his side’s upcoming games, including in this month’s Old Firm derby, which could see Rangers crowned Scottish Premiership champions.
But the boss said after the game he was ready to face the music for his actions.
“It’s on me,” said the Ranger chief.
“It has nothing to do with another manager or another club, it’s on me. This is my situation.
“I will go and enjoy this victory and sleep well tonight, and prepare my team for St Mirren.
“Whatever letters reach me, I’ll take care of it.
“If anyone wants to stop me from being on the side of a pitch, don’t worry – I’ll celebrate when the time is right.”
We don’t know when Gerrard will be punished. Hearts manager Robbie Neilson was charged with misconduct over his own confrontation with Beaton on January 23, but did not face an SFA hearing for nearly a month.
Former Ross County boss Stuart Kettlewell also received a ban for comments he made about the same referee in August of last year, but the sanction did not come into effect until October.
Ironically, it was Morelos who had the final say in scoring a winner in the 87th minute to bring the Rangers closer to a first title in ten years.
The Light Blues should have a month of March to savor, with their team just two wins away from their first league title in a decade.
But with the Rangers potentially set for a Premiership title party when they travel to Celtic Park on March 21, Gerrard could be forced to watch the celebrations from the podium if his case is decided early.
It was from his second half in Livi’s main stand that he beat winner Morelos in the 87th minute and made Livi ill again three days after their Betfred Cup final defeat.
The league race could still be settled ahead of the derby anyway if Rangers win at home against St Mirren on Saturday and Celtic fail to secure the win against Dundee United the next day.