Rangers expert can’t believe fan controversy against Celtic – ‘Never seen that before’
Rangers showed “great character” in the second half of their Old Firm clash on Sunday (7 April) after fans booed them at halftime.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Gers and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton admitted he “understood” why the Ibrox crowds were so discontent as Philippe Clement’s side could have been “4-0 down” after 45 minutes.
Celtic entered the break with a 2-0 lead thanks to Daizen Maeda’s 21-second opener and Matt O’Riley’s panenka penalty in the 34th minute.
However, a rollercoaster second half saw Rangers snatch a point from the death after Rabbi Matondo scored a long-range goal in the 93rd minute to make it 3-3 and cap off an Old Firm classic.
Rangers fans’ halftime frustrations ‘understandable’ – Hutton
Boos echoed around Ibrox after 45 minutes as many fans believed their side had failed to capitalise on their advantage in the table, but the full-time celebrations were much different.
Hutton praised the Gers stars and was adamant that such a turnaround would “never have [been] seen” from other squads in recent seasons.
“I think fans had the right to air their opinion on the game,” he told Football Insider.
“Rangers went into the game full of confidence and thinking that this could be the time for them to go and get a positive result.
“Everything was on the line in the league, so to come away at halftime 2-0 down – it could have been more!
“Matt O’Riley’s header and Daizen Maeda’s chance could have put them 4-0 down at halftime at Ibrox.
“So, of course, you can understand the frustration from the fans.
“That being said, it does take a lot for the players to come back out after that and give a huge performance – and that’s exactly what they did.
“They showed great character.
“In previous seasons recently, you’d never have seen that before, so it shows where they are.
“But I totally understand the fans’ frustrations.”
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