Rangers boss Steven Gerrard sent off at half-time in Livingston clash

Steven Gerrard could miss Rangers lifting their first Scottish Premiership title since 2011 after being sent off at half-time in his side’s match against Livingston.

The former Liverpool and England midfielder confronted referee John Beaton as the players and officials made their way off at the break, furious that Alfredo Morelos had been denied a penalty after a challenge by Livingston goalkeeper Max Stryjek.

The Colombian went through on goal and knocked the ball past the Pole before going down under the goalkeeper’s challenge. The striker appealed for a penalty but was instead booked for diving, albeit with replays showing there was contact between the pair.

The incident led to a furious Gerrard approaching Beaton and swearing and pointing to where the incident took place, after which he initially received the same punishment as Morelos from the referee for telling him the decision was ‘bang out of order’.

However, the 40-year-old continued his remonstrations and a few seconds later his booking was upgraded to a red card following a second yellow card, and was forced to watch the second half from the stands.

Gerrard now faces an anxious wait over being away from the touchline for upcoming games – where his side could potentially be crowned champions for the first time in a decade.

Rangers currently lead Celtic by 16 points and are set to end their arch rivals’ quest for an unprecedented 10 Premiership crowns in a row.

Gerrard’s men face St Mirren on Saturday before the second Old Firm derby of the season at the end of the month.