Steven Gerrard slams Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers critics and accuses rivals of trying to ‘kill’ striker’s career
STEVEN GERRARD has accused his rivals of trying to ‘kill’ Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers career.
The Liverpool legend claims there is a campaign fuelled by fear to drive the Colombian striker out of Scottish football.
Former Celts striker Chris Sutton called for the controversial hitman to be hit with an immediate five-game ban for his actions.
Police Scotland are investigating claims Morelos was subjected to racist abuse at Celtic Park on December 29.
“That is why these players are special, because they have got that in their game. They are not always going to get it right and everyone has to accept that.
“The most important thing for us is that Alfredo is going to help us massively in the second half of the season.
“I’m not going to sit here and paint a picture that he’s an angel or he’s perfect, but what I can guarantee is he’s doing everything he can to improve.”
Morelos is suspended for the games against Stranraer, St Mirren and Hearts and has been granted extra leave by Gerrard.
The Gers gaffer is putting the rest of the squad through their paces in Dubai.
But he revealed: “We’ve given Alfredo an extra few days for a couple of reasons.
“He’s not available in the short-term, but more importantly, he loses a day going home, he loses a day coming back.
“Add to that, over the course of the nine months, he gets very little chance to go and see his family. The London lads, if they get a day or two, can go home.
“For a young lad, it’s important he gets valuable family time.”