Steven Gerrard has called for "common sense in the game" after Rangers winger Daniel Candeias' appeal was dismissed.

Candeias was sent off late in the Light Blues' 2-0 win over St Mirren when he was handed a controversial second yellow card by referee Willie Collum.

Following their unsuccessful appeal, Rangers said they will lodge a formal complaint against the match official.

Gerrard insisted he had no personal issue with Collum but urged for common sense to prevail when mistakes are made in future.

Asked if the club had received an explanation for Candieas' sending off, Gerrard said: "That's an ongoing matter.

"I've nothing more to add to the statement other than that I'm disappointed with the outcome.

"I was hoping common sense would prevail and it hasn't so far so we carry on pursuing it as a club.

"I just think we need common sense in the game.

"If mistakes occur, there should be a panel in place to resurrect them.

"That's not just from a Rangers point of view, but a football point of view."

On Collum, Gerrard added: "I think he's a good ref in general, we all make mistakes, we're all human.

"I think it's my responsibility to support the refs in this country, it's just a clear mistake and we're trying to get it resurrected."

Gerrard rued the "basic errors" at the back which cost his side dearly as they lost 4-3 to Spartak Moscow on Thursday.

But, speaking ahead of Motherwell's visit to Ibrox on Sunday, the Ibrox manager said he had to be careful not to be too harsh on his new-look squad.

He said: "Looking back now, against a good team in a high level game, we've done ourselves proud.

"I have to be careful and realise where we are as a team compared to Spartak.

"We have to be proud of what the team has achieved and look at the big picture.

"I'll always push the players but it's very important I'm not too heavy or too critical.

"The reality is we're punching above our weight in Europe.

"We predicted the group would go to the wire and I still think that will be the case.

"I'm actually really excited and looking forward to the Villarreal game, I can't wait for it."