Morelos charged by Scottish FA over 'stamping' incident

Alfredo Morelos has been charged with violent conduct by the Scottish FA after a clash with Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous.

Morelos scored the only goal of the game against Hibs at Easter Road on Wednesday but was involved in a flashpoint earlier in the match. The Colombian striker appeared to stamp on Hibs defender Ryan Porteous as they both challenged for the ball.

Match referee Kevin Clancy didn’t show any card at the time but the Scottish FA’s disciplinary department has issued a notice of complaint after three former grade one referees reviewed the incident and were unanimous that a red card incident had been missed.

Rangers and Morelos will now attend a disciplinary panel on Tuesday, when the striker could be sidelined for three games, unless the club accepts the charge and accepts the suspension without the need for a hearing.

The sending off offence would normally carry a two-match ban but because Morelos has already been sent off this season, an extra game’s suspension is added.

Steven Gerrard could now be without his striker for games against St Johnstone, Hamilton and Kilmarnock.

A similar incident between Hibs defender and Darren McGregor and Rangers’ Glen Kamara also drew attention during the match but Clancy booked McGregor at the time and no further action will be taken.