Ferguson claims he won’t enjoy Rangers v Celtic without fans, makes ‘bleep machine’ warning
Barry Ferguson has claimed that TV chiefs will have to have a “bleep machine on standby” if they are to air any clashes between Rangers and Celtic behind closed doors next season.
The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has led to fans being banned from attending matches for the foreseeable future, but several leagues across Europe are making efforts to get action resumed as quickly as possible in empty stadiums.
But the ex-Ibrox man has argued that such a subdued atmosphere would suck the enjoyment out of any potential Old Firm clashes next term.
And Ferguson has also expressed his doubts over how broadcasters will deal with the choice language that the passionate meetings can sometimes throw up.
Writing in a column for the Daily Record, he said: “We just have to accept we’re in survival mode for the time being.
“But I can’t even imagine what an Old Firm derby will look and sound like if it is played in an empty stadium.
“I’ll tell you this much, though, they’ll need to slap a parental guidance sticker on it or make sure they have a bleep machine on standby. If I was still playing they’d probably have to mute it – or just have one 90-minute-long bleep.
“It would certainly be entertaining for the fans to listen to but, let’s be honest, it’s not what an Old Firm game is meant to be about. It’s not what Scottish football stands for. Of course I’d watch the matches because I’m interested in our game – but I won’t enjoy them.”
Does Ferguson have a point here?
Absolutely, yes.
An Old Firm without its fans just wouldn’t be the same.
Of course, it could end up being a necessary evil depending on how long we have to wait before supporters are allowed back into grounds.
But one potential solution for spectators at home – albeit a fairly imperfect one – is for broadcasters to pump artificial crowd noise over the top of matches.
That way, it would cover up the eerie sound of an echoing stadium, as well as drowning out some of the more problematic language that Ferguson is concerned about.
It won’t be for everyone, but giving viewers the option at least feels like a pretty smart idea.
In other Rangers news, Sven-Goran Eriksson backs Steven Gerrard to bring success to Gers.