MARK WARBURTON was left ‘bemused’ and ‘frustrated’ by Andy Halliday’s red card as Rangers moved five points clear at the top of the Championship with victory over Morton last night.

Goals in either half from Kenny Miller and Barrie McKay extended the Gers’ advantage over title rivals Hibs as they continued their improved run of form with a deserved win at Cappielow.

But it was the controversial call to send Halliday off that was the main talking point and subject of Warburton’s ire after he saw his side clinch all three points against the Ton.

After being booked for a foul on Declan McManus, Halliday saw red just seconds after McKay had doubled Rangers’ advantage as he picked up a second yellow for his celebrations.

The bizarre decision left the midfielder and his boss furious but, unlike when he saw his dismissal against Hibernian overturned a few weeks ago, there is no route of appeal for the Gers this time around.

It means Halliday will be suspended for the visit of Falkirk to Ibrox on Saturday as Rangers look to take another step towards the second tier title.

And boss Warburton was less than impressed with the decision of referee Barry Cook and assistant David McNiff as Rangers had to see out the final minutes with ten men.

He said: “I’ve been told that the player was sent off for making an offensive gesture which had incited the Morton fans.

“I’m sure you’ve all seen it. We’ve all seen it.

“The player made that fatal mistake of celebrating the second goal. It was scandalous behaviour on his part.

“We will look at it and say all he has done is shown his passion for the game and passion for the club.

“We scored a second goal and you have to enjoy it. You have to enjoy football. Make sure you enjoy the nice moments.

“And the nice moments are getting a second goal at a very tough venue.

“We have watched it from every angle and we are bemused and frustrated, whatever adjective you want to use. That’s how we feel right now.

“We have lost an important player to a second yellow and you can’t appeal for what we find the most frustrating decision.

“We have a squad of players and more than enough good players to fill in. Dean Shiels, Gedion, there is no problem there.

“But it’s just frustrating we should lose a player to another very, very frustrating decision.”