Rangers claim Celtic fans racially abused Alfredo Morelos after striker was sent off for dive in fiery Old Firm derby

RANGERS have claimed that Alfredo Morelos was targeted with racist abuse by Celtic fans.

The Light Blues have been left furious and want action taken by the Hoops to identify the individuals responsible for the alleged taunts.

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Morelos was booed and jeered by Celtic supporters after being sent off in the dying seconds of yesterday's fiery Old Firm clash.

And the Ibrox club believe the Colombian striker was racially abused as he made his way off the pitch and down the tunnel.

A Rangers spokesman said: "We believe Alfredo was racially abused and we would expect now that all measures will be taken to identify and deal with those responsible."

SunSport has contacted Celtic for comment.

Morelos was sent off after being shown a second yellow card for diving to win a penalty at the end of the game.

The striker received his first booking for a foul on Celtic skipper Scott Brown earlier in the game.

He was left furious by the decision and made his feelings clear in the direction of the Hoops faithful by making a gesture to his throat as he walked off.

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His dismissal also sparked a touchline melee between Rangers coach Michael Beale and Celtic No2 John Kennedy.

The pair squared up to each other AFTER Beale had been sent off by Clancy for his reaction to Morelos’ sending off.

Meanwhile, Rangers have released a statement in the wake of yesterday's win over the Hoops calling for the introduction of VAR.

Referee Kevin Clancy was at the centre of controversy over several decisions during the course of the game.

The official missed Odsonne Edouard's handball at Celtic's equaliser later showed red cards to Morelos and Beale.

Rangers also defended what has been described as a "throat-slitting" gesture Morelos made towards the home fans as he made his way off the pitch.

They insist it is actually a gesture used throughout South America to indicate that something is finished.

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The Light Blues said: "There can be little doubt Alfredo is singled out for special attention, on and off the field of play.

"Indeed, some of the things said and written about him leave a lot to be desired and do nothing to suggest Scottish football is the most welcoming of environments.

"Even Alfredo's gesture as he left the pitch is now being portrayed in some quarters as something sinister when, in fact, it is a gesture used commonly throughout South America to indicate quite simply that something – in this case, the match – is finished."