TRANSPORT minister Humza Yousaf has begun eating humble pie after rejecting the idea that ex-Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard could be the next Rangers manager.
Mr Yousaf took to social media to troll fans last week after it emerged that Gerrard was in the frame to replace Graeme Murty.
But the minister, a Celtic fan, was strongly criticised after he tweeted: "Spoiler alert - Gerrard won't be Rangers manager."
And he spoke out after he began getting stick and abuse from some Rangers fans after Gerrard was announced as the new manager of the Ibrox club on a four year contract.
In a tweet featuring a monkey with hands over its mouth, he said: "Knew he'd become next Rangers manager! Welcome to Glasgow Stevie G - already looking forward to next season!"
He added: "To all the Rangers fans slagging me off for my prediction about Gerrard becoming Rangers manager...fair play! Got to be able to take it! The banter is the best part.
"Two words of caution though when thinking of a Liverpool legend taking over your club: John Barnes."
READ MORE: Steven Gerrard greeted by huge Rangers crowds at Ibrox
Follow Rangers Shareholders, the new supporters group aimed at participating in fan ownership accused Mr Yousaf of "trolling" with his original comments.
They said: "We are astonished and disappointed that Scottish Government minister Humza Yousaf spent part of the normal working day trolling Rangers supporters.
"It's clear where his priorities lie - and it's not with the welfare of the Scottish people!"
READ MORE: 'Steven Gerrard comes here as a star, but he could leave a superstar'
Mr Yousaf later responded: "No idea why on earth anyone would be offended or insulted by my opinion that it is very unlikely Stephen (sic) Gerrard will be the next Rangers manager."
One fan pointed out that Gerrard's first name is spelt with a 'v'.
Last year Mr Yousaf was accused of “baiting” Rangers fans – after apparently publishing a tweet mocking them for their Old Firm defeat to Celtic.
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