Alfredo Morelos celebrates after scoring for Rangers. (Getty Images)
Rangers went top of the Scottish Premiership by beating Motherwell 2-0 at Fir Park, despite having Alfredo Morelos sent off for gesturing to fans after scoring his side’s second goal.
Morelos followed Nikola Katic’s first-half opener with his 27th goal of the season midway through the second half as Rangers ended a run of three games without a victory.
The Colombian let his emotions get the better of him as he aimed an inflammatory gesture at the home supporters during his celebrations and was punished with a second yellow card.
But it was the hosts that should have taken the lead when a deflection off Connor Goldson sent Chris Long racing through against the on-rushing Allan McGregor. Long took it round the keeper but could not tee up Devante Cole in the middle as James Tavernier raced back just in time to clear.
For Rangers, Glen Kamara blasted over before Morelos twice forced fingertip saves from Motherwell goalkeeper Mark Gillespie, the second leading to a corner from which Borna Barisic picked out Katic.
The defender proved too strong for Bevis Mugabi, shrugging him off to smash a header home.
Motherwell’s Declan Gallagher and Rangers’ Ryan Jack were shown yellow cards after a half-time confrontation and Morelos soon received the first of his two yellows for a late challenge on Jake Carroll.
Gillespie pushed away Ryan Kent’s drive, and at the other end Allan McGregor kept out Long’s header from two yards out.
It was to prove a crucial moment, with Morelos making it 2-0 when he collected Aribo’s cross, stepped away from Gallagher, and drove the ball into the net.
However, his final contribution was to be sent off seconds later after earning a second booking for gesturing towards the Motherwell fans during his celebrations.
There was still time left for Motherwell to get themselves back in the game but they struggled to make an impact, and only a fine save from Gillespie denied Barisic a third for Rangers from a free-kick.
Delighted with the 2-0 victory over Motherwell, here’s how some Rangers fans reacted on Twitter.
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