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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Steven Gerrard 'takes note' over lack of Al-Ettifaq penalties

Steven Gerrard has revealed that he's taken note of the lack of penalties Al-Ettifaq have received this season.

The former Rangers boss admits it's something the club is keeping an eye on, with the Saudi side yet to be awarded a spot-kick this term.

The Liverpool and England legend insists his team have warranted numerous penalties this season, which has led to a growing sense of frustration surrounding the topic.

Speaking after Ettifaq's 1-1 draw with Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, Gerrard bemoaned the lack of penalties.

He said: "We are the only team to not have a penalty, but I think we deserved it in more than one match.

"It is true and this has been noted by myself and the club. I am not the one who decides the penalty kicks for our team, but we have deserved one in more than one match not just today (the draw with Al-Ittihad)."

So, while some in Scotland highlight the large number of spot kicks both Rangers and Celtic have received so far this season, it seems Gerrard is on the complete opposite end of the scale.

Meanwhile, Rangers great John Brown last night urged Aberdeen manager Barry Robson to stop putting unnecessary pressure on referees and concentrate on showing his players how to defend properly instead - and then admitted he is an advocate of VAR.

Brown was amused when he heard Robson accusing Ibrox centre half Connor Goldson of making the most of a Stefan Gartenmann pull to win a penalty in the final minute of the cinch Premiership match at Pittodrie on Sunday afternoon.

He worked with the former midfielder during his time as a youth coach in Govan back in the 1990s and recalled how the youngster was not averse to diving in the opposition box in an attempt to earn a spot-kick at an early age.

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