Barry Ferguson has stated that theRangers Fashion Sakala could get a backlash for his disrespect when talking about Celtic to the mainstream media, ahead of Sunday’s Viaplay League Cup Final at Hampden Park.
This comes after the Zambian international referred to Ange Postecoglou and his team as the ‘other mob’ when addressing the Ibrox club’s city rivals. It’s unsurprising considering the total contempt and disrespect that his manager has shown towards the Celtic boss and his side since he arrived back at Ibrox.
Sakala had previously said: “Obviously I know how important the game is when you play against the other mob, as reported by Scottish Sun. “It’s all about the badge and I don’t even think about my performance, the most important thing is getting the win for the fans and the club.”
That has caused Ferguson to be wary of the possible repercussions to theRangers attacker’s words and pig-headedness in front of the press pack. He was on the Go Radio Football Show and previewing the game of Sunday, when he revealed: “I always respected, always. That went out the window when you crossed the white line but I think you have got to give respect. If you are not respectful, nine times out of 10 you are going to get a slap in the face, so it’s interesting to see what Sakala has said.”
Former Hoops striker, John Hartson chimed in to the discussion and stated categorically that he never gave a toss what the opposition would say before a game, but reckoned his counterpart was correct about a certain level of respect being shown to your rivals. He said: “It did not bother me. People can say what they want, you have a job to do at the end of the day.
“You turn up and you are really focused, you aren’t bothered by what the opposition say or think. On the day you need to back yourself and Celtic know they can potentially win this game.
TheRangers will feel the same way. All that sort of stuff on social media, making headlines, it’s up to them as they can do what they want. I am not overly bothered by it. Barry is right. I think you be a bit more respectful.”
Paul Gillespie
