Balogun makes his exit from Rangers
Defender wished well for future as he leaves club alongside Firth
LEON BALOGUN and Andy Firth have left Rangers, the club has confirmed. The Ibrox side last night announced that the Nigeria international and back-up goalkeeper have departed following the expiry of their contracts.
Balogun joined the club two years ago under Steven Gerrard. The defender played a key role in helping Rangers to win their first title in a decade and stopping Celtic from winning 10-in-a-row.
Firth made just one substitute appearance for the club.
A club statement reads: “Rangers can today confirm that Leon Balogun and Andy Firth will depart the club following the expiration of their contracts.
“Defender Balogun initially joined Rangers in the summer of 2020 before extending his contract in 2021, and he went on to make 65 appearances for the club.
“Balogun immediately bought into the club since signing and played a key role in the delivery of title number 55 to Ibrox in the 2020/21, with a 100% home record.
“Whilst being a key role in the backline, the Nigerian internationalist scored two goals in Europe, both being crucial in helping the Light Blues secure their position in the Europa League final in Seville after a remarkable run in the campaign. Leon leaves a Ranger with everyone at Ibrox wishing him well for the next move in his career.
“Firth joined Rangers in January 2019 and went on to sign a contract extension with the club in 2021.
“Everyone at Ibrox wishes Andy well for the next move in his career.”
Meanwhile, UEFA has “sincerely” apologised to all fans affected by the chaotic events at last Saturday’s Champions League final.
European football’s governing body announced on Tuesday it had launched an independent review into the access issues that led to fans being crushed and tear-gassed outside Stade de France in Paris before Real Madrid’s 1-0 win against Liverpool.
This follows an apology for Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt fans after their Europa League final earlier in the month also caused controversy.
UEFA were accused of treating fans poorly, with a shortage of water and overzealous police leaving supporters outraged.
The statement read: “UEFA wishes to sincerely apologise to all spectators who had to experience or witness frightening and distressing events in the build-up to the UEFA Champions League final at the Stade de France on 28 May 2022 in Paris, on a night, which should have been a celebration of European club football. No football fan should be put in that situation, and it must not happen again.”