Michael Beale backs Alfredo Morelos over celebration row as Rangers star branded 'idiot' by Neil McCann

Michael Beale has come out in defence of Alfredo Morelos after the Rangers star was branded an “idiot” for his goal celebrations against Hearts.

The Colombian scored twice in the 3-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle on Wednesday night but was criticised on the radio coverage of the game for the way he celebrated.

Former Scotland winger Neil McCann, who played for both Rangers and Hearts, made the claims after Morelos made it 3-0 on the 67th minute.

As the forward slid on his knees in front of the home support McCann said: “There he’s away again. The boy’s an idiot.” before repeating the claim again just seconds later.

But when asked about the incident Beale, who is now 11 games unbeaten as Rangers manager with ten wins and one draw, defended the forward and insists he wants his players to “play with passion”.

He said: “If we are going to say players can’t celebrate goals now we may as well stop the game.

“A lot is made of these things in Scotland that doesn’t tend to happen down south. You have to celebrate a goal, if he doesn’t people would say he is moody and wants away.

“I want our players to celebrate, I want our players to play with passion.

“He (Morelos) was about twenty yards away from the pitch. We should probably be talking about the abuse that comes the other way for players rather than them celebrating.

“Two at Kilmarnock and two at Hearts. I am over the moon with Alfredo at the moment.”

Beale also claimed that McCann, who made over 100 appearances for Rangers between 1998-2003, may well regret his comments.

He said: “I think Neil is passionate on the radio, he has played for both clubs, he’s trying to be impartial and he says what he said.

“But I think he will regret that more than Alfredo will for celebrating.”