The spot-kick incident could have swung the match back in their favour but they now find themselves two points behind title rivals Celtic, who they play in Sunday's Betfred Cup final.

"It's 100 per cent a penalty," said Gers boss Gerrard.

"I'm surprised it's not given as the referee is three yards away and looking right at it. He has seen it since and agrees it is a blatant penalty he has missed.

"I have to be very careful what I say, obviously. But I don't think there will be a more disappointed person outside of Rangers tonight than John.

"He has just explained to me that he got it wrong, right in front of his eyes, and there is no excuse. There is nothing more I can say on it to be honest.

"Did he apologise? Yes. I went to see him."

Gerrard insisted his team would not take their eye off the ball against the Dons with Sunday's final looming, but they appear to have blinked first after allowing Celtic to edge in front in the title race.

Strikes from Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack put Rangers in charge after 30 minutes but Jon Gallagher – who was to blame for the Light Blues' opener – made amends to pull one back before half-time and Andy Considine's close-range finish just after the break levelled things up.

Gerrard said: "It's a tough one. We were dominant and controlling the game. I was so pleased with what I was seeing but we conceded a silly goal and it flipped the whole momentum of the game.

"We were too confident at 2-0 and Aberdeen went direct in the second half and we couldn't handle the pressure.

"We conceded another goal and they had chances again. It's frustrating as had we done what we were doing we would have won the game.

"We need to manage games better, especially when you are away to your rivals. At 2-0 up, to concede a goal like that is disappointing.

"I never got the reaction I wanted in the second half. We turned the ball over and they continued to turn the heat up. They looked as if they were going to punish us.

"We need to reset the mindset very quickly as it is a cup final against our rivals."

The Dons had shipped nine goals in their two previous meetings with the Old Firm this season but McInnes was delighted with his side's response.

He said: "The whole reference point for us has been the two Old Firm games this season.

"We're four points ahead of last season's tally and everyone wants to slap us down for the Old Firm games – I get that. But our actual league form is good.

"We spoke the last time about not showing enough passion or aggression or being ready to do battle. This time we were too excitable, too rushed in possession and we were probably too pumped up for the game.

"I've seen Rangers go on to score three, four or five but it was a great response from my players. At 2-0 down I'd have taken a point."