‘This is weird’, ‘Still getting backhanders from Lawwell’ – Fans savage Beale after ‘dig’ at Rangers
Rangers fans have mocked ex-manager Michael Beale after he seemed to have a “bitter” dig at his former employer.
After getting sacked by the Gers in October, Beale was appointed as Tony Mowbray’s replacement at Championship side Sunderland in mid-December.
The Black Cats had a huge showdown against arch-rivals Newcastle in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday (6 January) – a fixture that they lost 3-0 at the Stadium of Light.
After the game, the Englishman was quick to praise the home support for the “fantastic” atmosphere they generated despite the defeat against the Champions League side.
However, keen-eared Rangers fans spotted Beale take aim at Scottish football, specifically the Gers and Celtic, for often not allowing away supporters to attend heated derby clashes.
Rangers were banned from bringing any travelling supporters to their recent 2-1 defeat at Parkhead due to concerns over fan safety.
Likewise, no Celtic fans were allowed at Ibrox in Beale’s final Old Firm clash back in September when Brendan Rodgers’ side won 1-0.
Many encounters between the rivals in recent seasons have been played solely in front of home supporters – something Beale made very clear he is no fan of.
Newcastle brought around 6000 travelling fans to the game and Beale was adamant that having such a strong away contingent was great for the atmosphere of the tie.
The 43-year-old was widely unpopular among the Ibrox faithful for his in-game management and poor summer recruitment that contributed significantly to the club’s dismal start to the season.
In light of his latest comment, Rangers supporters have taken to social media to ridicule their former gaffer.
In other news, Sources: Rangers accelerate plans for second forward signing after board talks.