STEVEN GERRARD has revealed what sparked the touchline clash between the Rangers and Hibs dugouts at Easter Road.
Light Blues coach Tom Culshaw and Hibees No2 John Potter were both shown red cards after the rammy.
Steven Gerrards’ Rangers and Hibs’ staff clash on the touchline
It happened just moments after Ryan Porteous was sent off for a shocking challenge on Rangers star Borna Barisic, who later had a glass bottle thrown at him by home fans.
And Gerrard, 39, has now claimed it was the Hibs coaches’ defence of the tackle that led to the clash.
Speaking on BT Sport after the game, the Ibrox boss confirmed: “Their staff trying to defend a tackle like that.
“Look, we all understand bad tackles, I’ve done a few myself, there’s no problem with that. But you can’t defend that.
“Obviously our emotions are running high but I think when it all cools down, both benches need to have a little look at their behaviour.
“I’ll certainly be speaking to my staff on that front but we were disappointed with the reaction from them trying to defend that.
“It’s a straight red. There’s no two ways about it.”
The game was also marred by a shocking incident which saw Barisic being targeted by a glass bottle thrown from the home end as he lay injured on the ground.
Police quickly moved in to block the pitch from that section of the stand, with one officer being seen holding the bottle in his hand.
It’s understood that Hibs will look to identify the person responsible with the help of their new CCTV system.
Rangers ultimately won the clash 3-0 thanks to goals from Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo and Jermain Defoe.
Their victory moves them to within two points of league leaders Celtic, with the added benefit of having a game in hand after tomorrow’s clash between the Hoops and Aberdeen.
Rangers coach Tom Culshaw was sent to the standCredit: PA:Press Association
Ryan Porteous’ reckless challenge on Borna Barisic is said to have sparked the touchline bust-upCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
