Monday 7 January 2019 19:01, UK
Steven Gerrard insists he is "not interested" in Celtic's statement on Alfredo Morelos' conduct in Rangers' Old Firm victory at Ibrox, while labelling the Scottish Premiership's leading goalscorer a "marked man".
In a fiery press release, Celtic voiced their "concerns" about the "standard of officiating at matches in Scotland", something which has been a common talking point this season.
Morelos was cited by the SFA for three incidents in last weekend's Ibrox match, but because referee Beaton saw all three no retrospective action can take place on this basis, much to Celtic's dismay.
Celtic also called on the Scottish FA to allow Beaton to explain his decisions publicly, but Gerrard maintained he has moved on from the incident, while pointing out that Morelos himself was subject to rough treatment at Ibrox.
"I am not really that interested. It is not something that we can really control - that's Celtic's business," Gerrard said. "What I will say is that a lot of things get missed and unnoticed on Alfredo Morelos - he gets kicked from pillar to post, he is a marked man.
"There were things that were missed in the Old Firm from our behalf. Especially on Daniel Candeias - he was lucky not to come away with a serious injury.
"We have moved on from the Old Firm, and we are happy with the result. We have nothing more to say on that match. Our focus is on Kilmarnock."
Morelos has faced much criticism for his disciplinary record this season, having already been booked 13 times and sent off on three occasions, with one of those since rescinded.
However, Gerrard believes that it is Morelos' abilities that make him the target for defenders, something he believes should actually be seen in a positive light.
"Morelos is a marked man because players don't like playing against him, and players target him," Gerrard added. "He has to put up with an awful lot.
"He is trying to learn and grow and is trying to protect himself. He is only doing what any young striker would try and do when he is targeted. There is no doubt he is targeted because he is a super talent, but he should see it as a compliment as I certainly do."
