Alfredo Morelos Rangers goal celebration given in evidence as Santos answer fans' provocation charge

Alfredo Morelos has moved to placate Santos fans after they misinterpreted his goal celebration after he netted his second strike for the club.

The ex-Rangers striker notched his second goal for his Brazilian giants with a spot kick in a 2-1 victory over Sao Bernardo. But confusion then anger reigned as Morelos ran towards his own supporters with his fingers to his lips in a "shoosh" gesture, which they assumed was provocative. Santos were forced to clarify on social media, pointing out that Morelos celebrated that way for Rangers regularly, sharing a picture to prove it.

And Morelos later explained why he reacted in the way he did after finding the net, insisting he didn't mean to rile up punters. He said: "These are the goal celebrations that I do, I usually do it like this. I do it for personal reasons. It's not against anyone, it's a personal celebration. I'm just happy with my goal."

And Morelos had another reason to celebrate - he gets a bonus of £1,500 for every goal he scores for the club. Meanwhile, another flop Rangers midfielder Jose Cifuentes had a winning debut in Brazil for his new club Cruzeiro. The on loan Ecuadorian midfielder played as his team won 2-0 at Pouso Alegre. Cifuentes said: "It was very exciting to have debuted with a victory. I enjoyed it and will keep working hard for this team."

Closer to home and Benfica boss Roger Schmidt insisted he is relishing his side's hectic schedule ahead of their Europa League showdown with Rangers. The Portuguese giants face Philippe Clement's in-form side in the Round of 16 a week on Thursday with the first leg in Lisbon.

But Benfica face a nightmare run of games ahead of the first leg against Rangers.- they must play the semi-final, first leg of the