Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Jonathan’s disbelief at Europa tie amid crisis
BAYER LEVERKUSEN star Jonathan Tah insists the decision to make his side face Rangers at Ibrox during the coronavirus pandemic was madness.
Rangers’ Europa League loss to the Bundesliga side looks certain to have been the last major game in Europe for many months with football’s doors slammed shut due to the health crisis.
Leverkusen may have cruised to a 3-1 first-leg lead in the last 16 clash but German international defender Tah is stunned the game went ahead at all.
He said: “It feels like that game took place on another planet.
“If you look back at it now, to play in Glasgow in front of almost 50,000 fans is absolutely terrifying. The world has turned on its head and it’s unbelievable and frightening that the game went ahead.
“It really was just a few days ago and now look at the world.”
Tah has taken matters into his own hands by setting up his own charity to aid those working in football who have suffered financial hardship because of the deadly virus.
Having helped set up the SeppHerberger Foundation, he has already raised £100,000 after donating a large chunk of that himself.
He said: “I was the first to donate but it’s not about the amount, it’s about solidarity in the football world. It’s also not about money. You can donate your time instead if it helps a grandmother get some important shopping.
“I’m not a fan of panic because you make wrong decisions. It’s about staying calm and leaving home as little as possible. Our society only functions if we are there for each other, I hope this can help in a small way.”
Meanwhile, former Rangers and Hibs man Ian Murray reckons Florian Kamberi (above) has proved he’s NOT good enough to play the lead role at Ibrox.
On loan from Hibs, Kamberi has only managed nine appearances for Steven Gerrard’s side, scoring one goal against St Johnstone.
“Kamberi looked like a last-minute panic signing for Rangers because of Defoe’s injury,” said Murray. “I was surprised they went for him and I’ll be even more surprised if they keep him.
“I don’t think he has shown enough in the games I’ve seen him in.”