STEVEN GERRARD insists Livingston defender Ricki Lamie should have been penalised for the crude challenge that left Joe Aribo requiring 20 stitches in a serious head wound.
The midfielder received treatment on the park for several minutes before he was replaced by Steven Davis during the first half of Rangers’ Betfred Cup victory at the Tony Macaroni Arena last night.
Lamie escaped unpunished despite leading with his elbow and catching Aribo on the head as the pair competed for the ball in an aerial challenge in the middle of the park.
Livingston were once again physical in their approach against the Light Blues and Lyndon Dykes and Aymen Souda also picked up bookings for rash challenges.
Gerrard was clearly angered by the challenge on Aribo and hinted at an unhappiness with the way that Livingston put themselves about the quarter-final clash.
He said: "Joe needed to have 20 stitches so he had a real nasty gash that went right through.
"You could see he was gushing with blood but the doctor did a fantastic job.
"He's bandaged up and he went straight home, so we will see how he is. But he will certainly be out for the weekend.
"I don’t think Lamie has meant to do him. I don't think he's that type. But in my opinion, it was serious foul play.
“There were a few head knocks and couple the last time we played this team as well.
“Is it skirting close to dangerous play? You are the people who have to write about that and have an opinion on that. A boy has just gone off with 20 stitches in his head.
“Now, I have watched Lamie long enough to know he is not that type of player. I’m not accusing him of anything out of order.
“But that is serious foul play because he has led with the elbow and Joe has been caught.
“Unfortunately he will be missing for a short while with 20 stitches in his forehead but it is what it is.”
Rangers were already ahead in the game when Aribo was forced off and had to dig deep to get over the line and record a second win of the campaign against Gary Holt’s side.
Glen Kamara netted the only goal of the tie after four minutes and the Light Blues will now face Hearts in the last four at Hampden.
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Gerrard said: "It wasn't pretty but we showed a lot of courage and desire to stand up.
"It wasn't easy on the eye but it's difficult at Livingston.
"You are bombarded with a lot of high balls and it's about fighting for possession.
"We did that in the main but it certainly wasn't pretty to watch.
"It is a very tough draw. Hearts look like they have turned the corner.
"For us its about enjoying the moment of getting to the semi-final.
"We all want to get to the final now. That's what the supporters want and demand.
"That's the responsibility we have but you saw a different side to us in this game.
"Rangers play excellent football but we showed our steel in a tough environment.”
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