Former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard admits he regrets his Celtic Park antics that led to the hoops regrouping and smashing them in the second half of the season.
It took a massive Celtic collapse and empty stadiums for Gerrard to finally get his hands on silverware in Scotland – the only silverware he won.
However, prior to that, Celtic had his number and it got to him. So much so, when they did manage to beat Celtic at Parkhead, the Liverpool legend went way over the top in his celebrations and comments after the game.
It’s the same game when the Ibrox commentators were claiming they were ‘coming after’ Celtic. It didn’t quite turn out that way. After the winter break, Gerrard’s men couldn’t handle the heat and the bhoys went on to secure the title once again.
Thinking about it now, the Aston Villa boss regrets his antics and is trying to learn from it : “Controlling my emotions, maybe going into the media and answering a few questions then thinking afterwards I shouldn’t have said that, why did I let myself go there?” Gerrard told Gary Neville as cited by SunSport.
“I remember we beat Celtic at Celtic Park.
“There had been a lot of mud flying with pundits before the game and I was probably a wee bit over with my celebrations on the pitch and with Neil Lennon which I regret.
“But at the same time it’s like a constant wind up with all their success and I felt it, I am human.
“But it’s something I feel like I am definitely working on and getting better at.
“Balance is so important at this level.”
The images after the match were enough to give Celtic that little bit of edge to go on and make sure the title was secured.
Gerrard’s tunnel vision and his Ibrox centric outlook was embarrassing at time. He was in the door two minuted when he claimed there was a referee conspiracy against The Rangers and had been for some time.
Emotions are part of the game but until you really prove yourself, it’s not wise to go hell for leather after one win. One swallow doesn’t make a summer.
Gerrard left earlier this season after seeing the writing on the wall in many ways. The Rangers were expected to walk the title this season but it hasn’t panned out that way.
