THAT WAS FOR THE 66 WHO DIED
LEON BALOGUN admits his Rangers team-mates were proud to give the grieving families of the Ibrox Disaster an Old Firm win on the 50th anniversary of the tragedy.
The 1-0 victory over Celtic sent Gers 19 points clear at the top of the table and Nigeria star Balogun admitted that the thoughts of the players were with the families of the 66 victims who lost their lives half a century ago.
The defender said: “It is a big anniversary of what was a very sad incident, so that is some way to give back and make the fans, and especially the families, a little gift.
“But as a club, and with the big family we are, it is massive. Every Old Firm you win is massive but even more so this one.
“It is my first Old Firm and while the fans were missing I think we will all be really united even though we cannot celebrate together.
“It’s fair to say there was a bit of excitement in the dressing room afterwards. It wasn’t easy. It was a great win.”
Balogun admitted Rangers were second best to Celtic in the first half but a combination of determined defending and brilliant goalkeeping from Allan McGregor kept the scoreline blank until the break.
Steven Gerrard’s team produced a better second half show that was rewarded with an own goal from Callum McGregor after visiting defender Nir Bitton was sent off for hauling down striker Alfredo Morelos.
Ex-Brighton stopper Balogun added: “We struggled in the first half and were a little bit lucky really but we worked hard to maybe deserve that bit of luck we had in the first half.
“But it was a much better second half and to score and win was an amazing feeling.
“It shows character and also shows resilience. You need that.
“Everybody wants to see you outplaying teams and dominating them but sometimes you just have to dig more.
“I’m sure the staff are already working on new solutions for the games that are to come.
“There’s no need to get complacent or carried away. We still need to work hard and repeat what we’ve done so far.”