Gerrard is proud of Old Firm’s unity
STEVEN Gerrard believes both Old Firm clubs demonstrated their class with their show of pre-match solidarity before yesterday’s 1-1 draw at Celtic Park.
Champions Rangers went into the Scottish Premiership encounter at the end of a tumultuous week in which they were knocked out of the Europa League by Slavia Prague with midfielder Glen Kamara claiming he was subject to a racist slur by Ondrej Kudela — an allegation which the Slavia player has denied.
Celtic skipper Scott Brown had a quick word with Kamara in the build-up and the Hoops players, like their Ibrox counterparts, chose not to take the knee before kick-off in support of the Finland international.
Substitutes, management and backroom staff of both clubs stood along the touchline to highlight their support.
After Alfredo Morelos’s goal cancelled out Mohamed Elyounoussi’s opener to keep Rangers unbeaten in 33 league games and 20 points clear of their city rivals, Gers boss Gerrard said: “I thought it was a class touch from both clubs, everyone standing up and showing the support and getting behind it. So fair play to both clubs, it was really pleasing to see.
“I thought Glen was faultless, he was really good.
“He gave exactly what we wanted him to give. He battled well, he passed it well and he helped us get a positive result so I am really pleased for Glen, he will go away now with his national team and focus on that.
“I thought it was a good game, I thought it was all set and ready for one team to grab it. I think the result suits us both, we are away from home.
“We came here to win, if we can’t win, it is important we don’t lose and take the point and move on.”
Celtic stand-in boss John Kennedy said: “Performance-wise it was good. Result-wise not so much, but I don’t think the result reflects the performance. We should have been more clinical but I’ll give the players praise for creating those opportunities.
“The last few weeks have been about coming together and not falling apart and I thought the players showed that today to stick together.”
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