Jackie McNamara defends Rangers man over ‘difficult’ Old Firm situation
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard won’t have won many fans in the green and grey half of Glasgow after his wild celebrations on the touchline at Parkhead on Sunday.
The boss was beside himself with excitement after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Hoops that left his team just two points behind with a game in hand.
He subsequently roared with emotion, embraced his players on the pitch, and ran the length of the touchline to see the travelling Gers contingent in the away end.
All of that led to pundit and former Bhoy Chris Sutton slamming him on Twitter for his “embarrassing” display, but Jackie McNamara has jumped to the manager’s defence.
Speaking to Football Insider, he argued that Gerrard should not be criticised for showing his emotions.
He said: “It’s difficult to control that, you’re human.
“When I was manager of Dundee United, we won at Ibrox in the semi-final against Rangers, and that feeling… you’re human, it’s very difficult to keep that stuff inside.
“I don’t see anything wrong with that, he hasn’t done anything wrong, it’s a big win, which I didn’t see coming, and maybe that’s why he celebrated so much.
“There’s a long way to go, it’s not the title, obviously the pressure Neil [Lennon] and Gerrard are both under is incredible this season.
“And the celebration may have been more a release than enjoyment when you consider that.”
McNamara is absolutely spot on here.
Why shouldn’t Gerrard be allowed to celebrate with his side after such a momentous win?
The fact that Sutton said anything at all shows that he clearly got under his skin, and if that is the case, then good.
This title race won’t just be won on the pitch, it will be won in the minds of the players and the staff as well, and if Sutton is rattled, you can bet that the Hoops’ dressing room is too.
As long as we’re winning, why shouldn’t the gaffer celebrate?
In other news, Alan Hutton issues verdict on speculation surrounding ‘excellent’ Rangers ace.