Alfredo Morelos denies he's a riot starter as ex Rangers star's 'gesture' triggers three reds in bonkers homecoming

Former Rangers favourite Alfredo Morelos triggered a near-riot after pointedly celebrating a goal in his return to football in his Colombian homeland.

The former Ibrox striker came off the bench to make his bow for Atletico Nacional, who he joined on loan from Santos, against Millonarios in Bogota. And he made an immediate impact by winning a penalty which was converted in a 2-1 win for Morelos' new team. However, he upset the home fans in a sell-out crowd and the bench of the hosts by making an offensive gesture which ended up with three members of their coaching staff being sent off after a free-for-all.

But Morelos insisted after the game, the gesture was misinterpreted. He said: "Nothing happened, it's football. We were celebrating, in football you have to celebrate. I made a gesture of celebration and their fans took it the wrong way, but I have nothing against the Millonarios fans. It was always in favour of Atletico Nacional.

"I am very happy, getting three points here is very important for us. For me, it was fantastic to come on as a sub and contribute to this win. I think we have a very strong and united dressing room. I can't wait to contribute this season."

Morelos left Rangers in the summer of 2023 but struggled mightily at Santos before returning to his homeland after falling from his pomp under Steven Gerrard before becoming a bit-part player under Michael Beale.