John Hartson insists Rangers and Steven Gerrard should be ashamed of defending striker
Alfredo Morelos for his gesture against Celtic.
The Ibrox striker made a now notorious 'game over' sign as he was walking off the pitch after his red card in the New Year derby.
Rangers insisted Morelos' reaction was a commonly used gesture in South America, meaning the match was over as the Light Blues claimed a 2-1 victory at Parkhead.
However, Celtic fans have been critical of his actions with many claiming he was making a 'throat cutting' gesture instead.
Morelos was not retrospectively punished for his actions but the Ibrox club were hit with an SFA rap for their coaching staff's behaviour in the game, as well as another flashpoint against Hibs at Easter Road.
Rangers said they were 'astounded' by the charges and claimed they are being judged by a different set of rules.
Former Celtic striker
Hartson went to Twitter this weekend to show his disapproval with Rangers' response, saying it was 'morally dreadful'.
And asked if he stands by his comments, he told BBC Sportsound: "Yes. One million per cent. I am astounded that they are astounded by these charges.
"I have never liked that cut-throat reaction, I have never liked it.
"I think we all know what it means. It does not mean the game is finished alright, let me just put that one thing straight.
"What I would say is that there are people defending this person doing this gesture. Now I know you want to defend your player and I know you have to be seen backing your player.
"But I have always said, and I continue to say it, that gesture for me is a lot worse.
"Do you want kids in Scottish football, the under-11s and under-12s who idolise Morelos, do you want them coming off their games in a Sunday afternoon doing that gesture?
"I think the SFA are so inconsistent with their decision making and who gets banned."
Ex-Rangers player Derek Ferguson clashedwith Hartson on air and issued a strong defence for Morelos's actions.
He said: "A different culture, we talk about different languages from different cultures. Different gestures mean different things.
"So basically what John is saying Morelos is a liar and Rangers are lying.
"For me I believe the young man. There is a witch hunt, this is three weeks ago and it's still going on.
"If Morelos says that gesture means 'time up' then you've got to take it as that.
"In my opinion, there is a witch hunt."
Hartson responded: "Time up?! Time up?! That gesture is horrific, what are you talking about.
"The owners, the people who are paying his wages and backing him should be absolutely ashamed of themselves."
Hartson was then asked if
Gerrard should also be 'ashamed' for defending the attacker.
He added: "Absolutely, if you are backing a player for that gesture. One million per cent.
"I can't believe anybody in the right frame of mind would defend somebody for that throat cut gesture."
