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Rangers manager Steven Gerrard accepts one-game ban

The decision leaves Steven Gerrard free to take his place in the Celtic Park dugout later this month.

Steven Gerrard will be free to lead Rangers out at Celtic Park after accepting a one-game ban as punishment for his foul-mouthed outburst at referee John Beaton.

The Ibrox boss has been charged with "misconduct" after marching on to the pitch to confront the official at half-time during Wednesday's win at Livingston.

The 1-0 victory means Rangers will be crowned champions this weekend if they beat St Mirren on Saturday and Celtic slip up away to Dundee United the following day.

Steven Gerrard
Gerrard watched the second half from the stand (Andrew Milligan/PA)

If the Hoops triumph at Tannadice, Rangers could clinch the title at Parkhead on March 21 and Gerrard will be able to take his place on the touchline.

Rangers confirmed on Friday evening that Gerrard has accepted the touchline ban, meaning he is set to be in the stands for the visit of St Mirren on Saturday.

Gerrard told the club's website: "After the game, I immediately apologised for my part in the incident at half-time in our game v Livingston.

"I reiterate that apology and accept a one-game suspension. As a club, we were extremely disappointed in the attitude displayed by the referee.

"We expect to have the ability for managers and officials to have discussion, but frustratingly, the referee was not forthcoming. This has also been noted by other managers in recent weeks.

"After my apology post match, I expected the referee to call to apologise for his part in the incident but I didn't hear from him.

"(Rangers sporting director) Ross Wilson had a long, frank and honest discussion with (head of referee operations) Crawford Allan today. Be in no doubt that our concerns have been made very clear and we are pleased that they were received openly by Crawford."

Gerrard was left furious after seeing Beaton book Alfredo Morelos for a penalty box dive when TV pictures clearly showed Lions keeper Max Stryjek had clipped the striker.

Alfredo Morelos
Morelos was booked for simulation (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Striding toward the referee, Gerrard shouted: "You were f****** bang wrong. You're bang out of order."

Beaton responded by flashing two quickfire yellow cards and Gerrard was forced to watch from the main stand at the Tony Macaroni Arena as Morelos' 87th-minute winner moved Gers to within four points of the title.

Rangers appealed against the striker's yellow card which was subsequently rescinded following a fast-track disciplinary hearing on Friday evening.

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rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1RangersRangers110074245078
2Celtic000080265478
3Hearts101046341263
4Kilmarnock10104334952
5St Mirren10013945-643
6Dundee00004454-1041
Relegation Group
1Hibernian11004752-542
2Aberdeen11003649-1338
3Motherwell10014652-637
4St Johnstone10012549-2431
5Ross County10013258-2630
6Livingston11002459-3521
 
First Phase
1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
12Livingston3339212259-3718


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