STEVEN GERRARD claims Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous put in a potential “leg-breaking” tackle on Joe Aribo for his dismissal in Rangers’ 2-1 win at Ibrox.
Kevin Nisbet headed Hibs ahead in the eighth minute before centre-back Porteous was shown a straight red card by referee Nick Walsh on the half-hour mark for a hefty challenge on the Gers attacker.
Hibs withstood increasing pressure from Rangers until the 59th minute when substitute Kemar Roofe levelled with a header. Colombia striker Alfredo Morelos then grabbed a dramatic winner for the hosts with 11 minutes remaining to take the champions one point clear of Hearts at the top of the cinch Premiership.
Gers boss Gerrard told Sky Sports that his side “were rewarded for all our good play in the end” before switching his focus to the turning point in the game.
He said: “I know one or two things about bad tackles because I have made a few myself, so I am not in a glass house here.
“It’s a wild tackle. It’s a leg-breaking tackle if he catches him.
“The kid only has to play the ball.
“I don’t know why there is any reason that he wants to go in with that intent and it is the second time that he has done it against us because he done it against Lassana Coulibaly not so long ago.
“So the kid is obviously not learning and he has let his manager and his team-mates down today.
“That is obviously Jack’s (Hibernian manager Ross) business.
“There is no defending a tackle like that because the speed of it, the height of it and the force doesn’t belong on a football pitch.
“I have had to learn over the years myself as a player to learn from those types of moments of madness. So hopefully the kid learns.”
Hibs boss Jack Ross was not entirely convinced about the sending off but admits 22-year-old Porteous will have to learn.
He said: “As it happened I didn’t even think it was a foul but that was from my view.
“I then watched it and the first couple of angles I had the same opinion, from the angle behind the goal it doesn’t look great.
“But what I don’t quite understand is that the match official’s view must be the same, he is not watching it from behind the goals.
“But I think Ryan gives him a decision to make.
“I don’t necessarily agree with the decision but I can understand why it’s given.
“He’s got my absolute support. He has made strides in the last year and a half but he’s going to have to learn from this one again today.”
The one time he used an arm in a tackle he nearly decapitated a lad. He’s safer with his no arm efforts, plus he never gets carded for them.
He’s only ‘incredibly regretful’ because a ref finally had the stones to do something about his persistent cheap shots and dreadful technique during a game. Overrated player regardless, I hope he has the book thrown at him.
@Carmine Lorenzo: ah but he’s sorry
@Carmine Lorenzo: terrible challenge but far from overrated
@Stephen Duffy: He’s not as good a 10 as the likes of ‘Barnesey’ and Stephen Jones make out.
@Carmine Lorenzo: ah lads over rated. He is a work horse with a good brain and a winner. He is loyal to a club that yes we all cant abide but he is an outstanding player. Id love if he joined Munster….as unpopular that is to say but we would win a cup
@Carmine Lorenzo: I was surprised to read it was his first red card of his career. He is involved in high tackles quite regularly. Great player but plays on the edge too much for me.
He has been tackling like this for years and never sanctioned for it. He deserves everything he gets too. He’s a brilliant player but he’s a dirty player too.
@Batster: 100% agree. They need to make a statement for whole of rugby here.
His reaction indicated he realised he’d miss the Leinster game, bugger all remorse really. But the Sarries PR machine running to defend him, will ensure he gets the minimum ban possible….
Want to see him play. Class player
@ollie:
@ollie: You’re some fisherman
@Rosco Bosco: always liked him couldn’t care that he’s English. Fellas class on the ball and decapitates attackers. It’s wrong but he’s unreal
@ollie: aggressive kicking game too
@ollie: aw nobody is biting! I’ll help out. What do you mean Ollie? He’s a fouling no good so-and-so! There, is that better?
Ohhh that’s only the 4th …. maybe 5th time we’ve had to hear that sentiment??
@Dave O’Shaughnessy: actually, check how many bans he’s had
@Dave O’Keeffe:
I know, it’s terrible that he’s gotten away with it for so long.
No he is not sorry at all he is a dirty player and he is only sorry because he was been caught. He has got away with dangerous play for far too long. I hope he gets more than a slap on the hand.
Problem here is the fake arm tackle practiced by a huge percentage of today’s rugby players. They clench their muscles
and throw the arm in in what is essentially a hit rather than an attempt to grab the opponent. Unfortunately for Farrell this dodgy technique allied to the player changing direction and height at the moment of the tackle led to this incredibly dangerous tackle! Still lots of work to be done on tackle technique and defensive coaches expectations!
@CARMODY Neil: very well said.
Incredible knob
His good disciplinary record, are you having a laugh. At last a ref with the guts to stop him.
@Ian James Burgess: what do you mean the guts to stop him
It was a reckless challenge and the worst referee on the planet no matter how incompetent would have to send him off
A long time coming. Talented player but have absolutely no time for him. Filthy player.
So there is low medium and high level and if his is eventually classed as mid, what would high actually be? It would have to be a very frightening outcome it seems. Let’s just wait and see how much they are genuinely stamping out this kind of low life thug.
Big cj stander will shake him off his leg again
I am me….I can do this stuff……I am untouchable…..oh gosh, mebbe not!
Very poor tackling technique. Leads to fouls and dangerous play. Bout time he was sanctioned
Class act marred by cheap shots.
He’ll probably only get a two match ban
He’s a dirt tackler.