STEVEN GERRARD hit back at a cheap shot from Ryan Porteous after the Hibernian defender claimed that Rangers captain James Tavernier was a ‘bad loser’ at the end of a thrilling encounter at Easter Road.

Rangers came from a goal behind to lead 2-1 in the Capital but couldn’t hold on as Christian Doidge added to Drey Wright’s opener to earn a point for the hosts that continues their impressive start to the campaign.

Boss Jack Ross played down incidents involving Porteous and Alfredo Morelos and Paul Hanlon and Ianis Hagi as both Hibs players were booked by referee Don Robertson.

A handful of Rangers players refused to acknowledge Porteous at the end of the game and, when asked if he was unhappy with some of the challenges, Gerrard said: “Yes. I think there could have been more action taken. But that’s out of my control.

“I didn’t see the (Porteous) incident initially. I think Porteous was saying that Tav’s a bad loser, which I think is a bit cheap coming from him. He got sent off for a really bad tackle when he was losing 3-0 against us here last season

“Hibs have played their part in a really good game today. We’re not happy with the outcome but there’s no need to panic.

“We’ve got a huge game on Thursday we need to get ourselves ready for. One thing’s for sure, we’ll need to defend better.”

It was to prove a frustrating afternoon all round for Rangers as they dropped points for the second time this term.

Scott Arfield had put the Gers ahead after Morelos pulled Gerrard’s side level before the break and the Ibrox boss was pleased to see the Colombian back on the scoresheet in the league for the first time in six weeks.

Gerrard said: “He was very good, back to close to his best. He had a fantastic chance in the first half, a free header in the six yard box you expect him to score. But besides that, I’m really pleased with his all-round game.”