Scottish Premiership

THE gloves are off in the title battle.
But Steven Gerrard can’t understand why Alfredo Morelos’ mittens were thrown off when he was subbed.

Morelos was substituted midway through the second halfCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

The Ibrox side were 4-0 up and cruising when the Rangers boss decided to give his striker a break on 65 minutes.
Morelos had returned from international duty with Colombia just a few days earlier.
He’d played the final 30 minutes of a 3-0 defeat at home to Uruguay then sat on the bench in Ecuador as the hosts won 6-1.But back at Rangers things were still on the up.
Morelos hasn’t scored in the league since September 20 but this victory was sending Gers 11 points clear at the top with a goal difference 17 better than Celtic.

So Gerrard didn’t expect the hissy-fit when he was replaced by Jermain Defoe just after the hour mark.
Gerrard said: “Alfredo wasn’t happy to go off? Is he ever! I can’t work it out.  We’re 4-0 up, we’ve played well.
“His teammate is about to come on. We’ve got a big game on Thursday. I don’t know.

Morelos battles with Tommy HobanCredit: Reuters
“You’ll have to ask Alfredo why he was a bit sad. I was really happy.”

While Morelos didn’t get a goal, his movement helped drag Dons players out of position to create the space which Gers’ midfielders running behind him could exploit.
He also linked well with Roofe, who started out on the right with Kent cutting inside off the other flank.
Kent got the ball rolling on 15 minutes when his shot from 30 yards deflected off Tommie Hoban’s head and past Joe Lewis in the Dons’ goal.
Roofe then made is 2-0 when he was allowed to slalom into the box and finish.
Arfield’s shot on 49 minutes then ricocheted off Shay Logan and in for Gers’ third.

Rangers star Alfredo MorelosCredit: Reuters
Then after Andy Considine pulled down Leon Balogun, Tavernier kept his cool from the spot yet again to net his ninth penalty and 13th goal of the season.
Gerrard said: “All the players are important but I was really interested to see the relationship between Alfredo and Kemar.
“I wanted to see how they played together. We saw it a few weeks ago with Jermain Defoe and Kemar, their understanding and relationship.
“It’s important that Alfredo gets that relationship with Kemar as well.
“It’s very difficult to play against because they can come short or go in behind, or come off the side as well. We have No8s who can go beyond them.
“We want to give opposition teams as many problems as we can. At times in the past we have come unstuck by maybe playing in front of teams too much, being a little bit predictable and maybe not having enough answers.
“I’m really pleased with how we are looking now.”

Gers boss GerrarrdCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
Aberdeen had been rocked by the loss of Connor McLennan and Lewis Ferguson just 24 hours before the clash after they were forced into isolation following the Scotland Under-21s covid outbreak.
Ross McCrorie was one of three players to test positive after getting back from that trip to Greece but was always going to miss yesterday’s clash due to his loan arrangement from Ibrox to Pittodrie.
The Dons had only lost once since their opening day defeat at home to Gers while their last pointless trip on the road in the league was way back in December.
But they were blown away by Gers and Gerrard said: “Aberdeen have been on a fantastic run. They have been excellent defensively and very hard to score against.
“So I’ve got to pay my boys credit. I know Aberdeen had some issues before the game but the focus is always on us. We had to go and do the job.
“We were playing against good defenders and a really organised team. Derek doesn’t get the credit he deserves at times for how well he sets his team up.

Scott Arfield made it 3-0Credit: Willie Vass – The Sun
“Having said that, I’ve got to pay my players a lot of credit because they found the answers and they could have found even more.”
Dons boss Derek McInnes couldn’t argue with the scoreline – but did think Gers got lucky with their penalty.
He said: “We came into the game with a lot of key players missing and Scott Wright was added to with a groin problem.  
“We also had the three players out with the 21s. We were a team that lacked pace and that’s something we’ve had a lot of this season.  
“We went with a team we had to pick rather than one we wanted to pick. These things are sent to test us and we tried to get a shape that gave us to come here not only defend but also to have an outlet at the other end.  

“I thought we started well against a Rangers team who are in a good place. The first goal took a big defection and the second goal we could do better with.  
“At half-time we talked about the next goal and six minutes later we lost another deflection then a soft penalty. If that was a penalty there will be a lot more penalties for that.
“I felt he went over early and it was pretty soft. We didn’t feel like we had the breaks but my players worked hard despite the obvious difficulties.
“There was plenty of effort from a lot of players who haven’t played a lot of games. I have no complaints, we were well beaten but at least we have another game on Wednesday.  
“The last time Rangers beat us we had to wait 19 games for the next one. We had 26 from 36 points coming into this and it’s important we take the next three points.” More

RANGERS have thrashed Aberdeen to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership table.
Goals from Ryan Kent, Kemar Roofe, Scott Arfield and James Tavernier sealed the Light Blues’ victory at Ibrox.

James Tavernier celebrates after scoring for RangersCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

Rangers star Ryan Kent celebratesCredit: PA:Press Association

Gers even thought they another goal to add to their tally at one point but it was ruled out for offside.
The Dons travelled to Glasgow today without the services of Lewis Ferguson and Connor McLennan as the pair remained in self-isolation.
Ross McCrorie, who is also self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, would have missed this game regardless as he can’t face his parent club.
Rangers quickly established their dominance over Aberdeen and they only had to wait quarter of an hour for the opening goal.

Kemar Roofe celebrates after scoring for RangersCredit: PA:Press Association

Rangers star Scott Arfield celebrates his goal with Borna BarisicCredit: PA:Press Association
Kent made a brilliant run towards the box and scored with a brilliant strike, although replays showed it took a deflection on the way in.
And the Light Blues thought they had another shortly afterwards when Arfield found the net, only for his effort to be ruled offside.
However, Roofe made a run along the front of the box before firing it past Joe Lewis to double the home side’s lead just before the half-hour mark.
Arfield did get on the scoresheet less than five minutes into the second half when he managed to dink the ball past Lewis.

Replays showed that there was another deflection on the way in just to add to Aberdeen’s misery.
And the visitors’ day just got worse a few minutes later when Andy Considine conceded a penalty, picking up a booking in the process.

Aberdeen star Andy Considine fouls Rangers ace Leon BalogunCredit: PA:Press Association

Tavernier, who has been brilliant from the spot this season, converted once again to add to his own tally for the campaign and wrap up the win.
Towards the end of the game, Lewis was forced to tip the ball on to the bar in order to prevent an own goal.
Rangers have yet to drop points at Ibrox in the league this season and have yet to concede a goal in that time.
This victory also moves them 11 points clear of Old Firm rivals Celtic in the table, who even with their two games in hand, still have ground to make up.

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CELTIC ace Leigh Griffiths has apologised after liking a tweet showing Kyle Lafferty in tears on Thursday night.
The former Rangers ace broke down following Northern Ireland’s Euro 2020 play-off defeat to Slovakia.

Leigh Griffiths has apologised for liking a tweet showing Lafferty in tearsCredit: SNS Group

Lafferty paid tribute to his sister who passed away last weekCredit: PA:Press Association

Lafferty featured in the match just a week after losing his sister Sonia – and paid tribute to her before the game with a T-shirt.
And he broke down in tears after the match with Griffiths liking an image on Twitter.
The Scotland ace – who netted in the penalty shoot-out – has since deleted his account but took to Instagram to apologise.
He said: “Not that I should have to, but after what I’m seeing on social media I feel I need to.

“After last night’s win, I want to state that I was not slagging Kyle Lafferty for losing a family member, that is the lowest of the low and not the type of person I am.
“The picture was in a Northern Ireland strip and the fact they didn’t qualify and we did, which has been a huge achievement for the entire nation.
“Everyone gets carried away and people think I liked it because his sister died, absolutely not.
“We won, they didn’t, we’ve been mocked for years about failure, but we did it.

Lafferty broke down after Northern Ireland’s extra-time loss vs SlovakiaCredit: PA:Press Association

“I want to APOLOGISE unreservedly for any MISUNDERSTANDING there has been towards Kyle and his family.
“I don’t deserve what I’ve been sent. but I’ve had enough and something needed to be said on the matter.”
Celtic boss Neil Lennon has previously had a go at Griffiths over his social media activity.
He said: “He needs to stop all the social media nonsense with all these slogans he puts out there. It’s not the real world we all live in.
“The boys here are all top professionals and I have a great staff who are all professional as well.
“They deserve better and he should know better.
“He needs to get his head down and get fit because that’s what we pay him for.
“We’ve done everything we possibly could for him.”

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KYLE LAFFERTY paid an emotional tribute to his sister before breaking down in tears following Northern Ireland’s Euro 2020 play-off defeat.
The former Rangers, Norwich and Sunderland striker bravely featured against Slovakia just a week after the death of his sibling Sonia.

Lafferty paid tribute to his sister with a T-shirt featuring a picture of the two of them with the words ‘Sonia Amanda Lafferty 1978-2020’Credit: Pacemaker Press

Lafferty was heartbroken at full-time as Northern Ireland lost 2-1 (aet)Credit: PA:Press Association

Lafferty wore a T-shirt featuring a picture of himself along with his sister with the words ‘Sonia Amanda Lafferty 1978-2020’.
The 41-year-old passed away in Belfast Hospital after being in poor health for some time before her funeral was held on Saturday.
Juraj Kucka fired the away side into a lead at Windsor Park after just 17 minutes before a Milan Skriniar own-goal with just two minutes remaining sparked hope for Ian Baraclough’s side.
However, Michael Duris netted the winner to send Slovakia to next summer’s tournament in extra time, leading to heartbreak for Lafferty and his team-mates.

The Reggina forward broke down in tears following the result and had to be consoled by team-mates.
Lafferty’s international team-mate Stuart Dallas hailed the brave forward.
He said: “It sums itself up that Kyle is here. He is a big personality and a big character, and he is massive for us.
“Firstly, everyone here has supported him and we have rallied around him. Our thoughts right now are with Kyle and his family, and he is going through a difficult time.

Lafferty had to be consoled by team-mates and officials at full-time

“I am pretty close with him so I know what he is going through, but we have a good squad here and we support each other and we will support Kyle going forward.”
Northern Ireland boss Baraclough said: “It shows the magnitude of the guy who wants to do so well for his country.
“It was so tough for Kyle to make a decision to play for his country after such a sad loss, and his character is there for everyone to see.
“George Saville as well has had to deal with issues coming into the game, and Stuart Dallas might have done something to his arm but he just wouldn’t give up.”
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths released a statement insisting he WASN’T mocking Lafferty over his sister’s death when he liked a tweet showing a picture of the Northern Ireland star distraught.
Speaking earlier in the week, Lafferty insisted his sister would have wanted him to play.
He said: “On Thursday night it will be the biggest game for Northern Ireland in recent years, and many people might think or ask questions should I be here so soon after the loss of my best friend, but if I missed this game, then I would be letting Sonia down.”
He added: “She was football-daft, and my biggest fan.
“I’m so happy she got to see me play for not only my dream club – Rangers – but also to wear the shirt of my country with pride every single time.”

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THIS is the moment that Ryan Christie broke down CRYING after a penalty shootout win over Serbia sealed Scotland’s Euro 2020 dream.
The Celtic star fired Steve Clarke’s men into a 1-0 lead in the second half and looked certain to have sent the Scots to a first major tournament in 22-years.

Ryan Christie was visibly emotional after helping Scotland reach a major tournament for the first time in 22 years

The Celtic star couldn’t hold back his tears in an interview after the game

However, subbed off late, Luka Jovic netted a last-minute header for the Serbs, sending the game to extra time.
Scotland held on after enduring some big periods of pressure and David Marshall was yet again the penalty hero for the nation.
He palmed away Mitrovic’s spot kick to end a generation of failure, hurt and anguish.
The whole country are emotional – and the Scotland stars were no different.

And emotional goal hero Christie summed up the mood of Scotland perfectly.
A teary Christie said: “It’s just an amazing night. From the start we kind of believed. In the last couple of camps we’ve picked up so much belief in each other.
“Even the way the game went tonight, conceding that late equaliser, but still digging in and then penalties away from home.
“Big Marsh comes up again… amazing, unbelievable.

For 22 years the Tartan Army have watched some of the world’s best teams do battle at European Championships and World Cups.

Scotland go wild after reaching their first major finals since 1998Credit: Reuters

Scotland are up for the Euros, with David Marshall their hero keeperCredit: Reuters

It was agony for Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic as he misses the tenth and decisive shootout penalty to put Scotland into next summer’s Euros Credit: Reuters

“When you’re on the pitch you always feel like you can impact. But when you’re off you cant watch it – it’s horrible. That’s the worst I’ve ever been through.
“It’s just everything you know. For the whole nation, it’s been a horrible year for everyone. we knew that coming into the game – we could give a little something to the country and I hope everyone back home is having a party tonight because we deserve it.
“It’s a monkey off the back now and we’re just going to move on from here.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

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BACK in the early throes of March, David Moyo hit a famous winner for Hamilton to cap an excruciating four days for Rangers.
Dumped out of the Scottish Cup by Hearts on the Saturday, Steven Gerrard’s rudderless side hit rock bottom in a defeat which left them 13 points behind Celtic. 

Rangers hit EIGHT in an emphatic Ibrox win over Hamilton Credit: Willie Vass – The Sun

The boos that rang round Ibrox stadium that night said it all.
Rangers were a shambles. 
Lacking in direction and leadership, some even questioned whether Gerrard had the stomach for the fight.
Fast forward eight months and the landscape has changed entirely.

No one is doubting Gers now.

Joe Aribo bagged a double for RangersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Having absolutely humiliated Hamilton, Gerrad’s side are now a staggering 20 games unbeaten across all competitions for the season.
They have not lost domestically since that humbling defeat to Accies on March 4.
And they head into the international break nine points clear of Celtic at the top of the league.

The Verdict

RANGERS: McLaughlin 7, Tavenier 8, Goldson 8, Balogun 7, Barisic 6, Arfield 7, Jack 6, Aribo 8, Kent 7, Roofe 7; Defoe 7. 
SUBS: Bassey 5 (Barisic 46), Zungu 5 (Jack 46) Barker 5 (Kent 58) Hagi 3 (Aribo 69) Itten 3 (Arfield 74).
HAMILTON: Fulton 5, Hodson 4, Odoffin 4, Easton 4, McMann 4, Hughes 4, Callachan 4, Stirling 4, Collar 5, Moyo 4, Ogkmpoe 4.
SUBS: Winter 2 (Ogkmpoe 54) Hughes 2 (L Smith 54) Mimnaugh 3 (Callachan 73)

In this kind of form they will take some stopping.
This was Rangers’ biggest ever win under Gerrard – the hammering they have been threatening to dish out for some time.
A stunning victory which was every bit as impressive as the emphatic scoreline suggests.
Following Gers’ 3-3 draw in Lisbon on Thursday, Gerrard made five changes to his starting line-up.
Jon McLaughlin started ahead of Allan McGregor in goal while Jermain Defoe, Roofe, Arfield and Leon Balogun were all reinstated.

Kemar Roofe also scored two for Rangers in thumping win over Accies Credit: Willie Vass – The Sun
That meant no place for Filip Helander after his horror show against Benfica.
Rangers had the points sewn up inside the opening 20 minutes.
Their attacking play was too hot for Hamilton to handle with Gers scoring three goals inside three devastating first half minutes.
Aribo got his second and Gers’ fourth before half-time rescued hapless Hamilton.
Three decent chances had come and gone with Connor Goldson, Ryan Kent and James Tavernier all testing Accies keeper Ryan Fulton before the floodgates opened on 16 minutes.

Arfield opened the scoring for the Premiership leaders Credit: Getty Images – Getty
It was a disaster for the Hamilton defence with Hakeem Odoffin and Ben Stirling bumping into one another, allowing Defoe to send Kent clear into space.
The winger cut into the box before looking up and picking out Arfield. The Gers midfielder took it first time, side footing the ball into the net.
He made it look easy, it was anything but.
Two minutes later and Rangers had another. 
Tavernier did superbly on the right hand side, whipping in a fantastic cross which Roofe rose to meet ahead of Stirling.

Roofe fires home from close-range for RangersCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
Keeper Fulton had no chance. A minute later and Aribo got his name on the scoresheet after yet more pulsating attacking play by the home side.
Kent and Arfield combined to pick out Aribo who cut inside onto his left foot before firing beyond Fulton.
Roofe came close to his second just past the half hour mark and he was involved again three minutes later, this time turning provider for Aribo.
Tavernier’s initial cross caused all the problems with the Hamilton defence once again at sixes and sevens.
Roofe did well to retrieve it, feeding Aribio whose shot, just like his first, took a slight deflection off Will Collar before finding its way into the back of the Accies net.

Bongani Zungu on for his Rangers debut Credit: Willie Vass – The Sun
Brian Rice couldn’t believe what he was watching. Rangers had ruthlessly ripped his side apart.
Some of their movement had been a joy to watch. But Gerrard STILL wanted more.
Urging his players to get forward in numbers, he also had the luxury of making two changes at the break with Calvin Bassey replacing Borna Barisic and Bongani Zungu coming on for his debut in place of Ryan Jack.
Gers simply picked up from where they’d left off, stretching the Hamilton defence at every opportunity.
Tavernier forced Fulton into a smart save at his near post with the second half just two minutes old.
Rangers were finding space and pockets all over the park. Despite their first half chasing, Hamilton had learned nothing.

James Tavernier converted his first from the afternoon from the penalty spotCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
And on 54 minutes, Gers got a fifth. Kent did well again wide left, floating a ball to the back post which Defoe was quickest to react to.
His effort came back off the post and as the Accies defence continued to stand around and watch, Roofe moved in to slam home the rebound.
It was another gift gratefully received by Rangers.
They were embarrassing Hamilton now. Hamilton were embarrassing themselves.
With 61 minutes gone, Barker got a sixth for Gers with his first touch of the match.
Bassey did superbly, crossing for Defoe who held the ball up before teasing it into the patch of the Rangers sub.
Barker took it in his stride, Fulton again with no chance.
Things just went from bad to worse for the visitors with Odoffin giving away a penalty after a foul on Defoe.
Tavernier stepped up from the spot to make it seven – five minutes later the Gers skipper made it EIGHT.

Sub Barker also got in on the scoring act for Rangers at IbroxCredit: PA:Press Association

By now Hamilton had chucked it – the defence in total disarray. Roofe was allowed to cut in on the angle, with Fulton saving well.
Again, however, no one in red and white moved with Tav gleefully smashing home the rebound.
Defoe then hit the post as Rangers went in search of a ninth.
Not many managers survive an eight goal thrashing and Rice is now a man under serious pressure.

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