Leon Balogun claims green shoes are banned at Rangers in swipe at Celtic
Tension runs deeper between Rangers and Celtic than most other rivalries and a story from Leon Balogun paints this in blue and green.
Speaking to German outlet Kicker the Nigeria international offered a behind-the-scenes insight into how deep the quarrelling in Glasgow goes.
The Nigeria international referred to Celtic as “the other” and was asked if he was not allowed to say the word outright.
He replied: “What does it mean to be allowed. I try to avoid it, also out of respect for the deep rivalry. I wasn’t there myself, but there must have been a player here who had shoes that were mostly green.
“Since someone from the coaching staff has formulated a friendly request not to put these shoes on again.
“On one of my first international trips as a ‘ranger’, I posted something in my Instagram story, whereupon a fan wrote ‘Yes, big guy. I’m happy for you and all that. But please reconsider your colours.’
“That was just a joke, of course, but you can see that the whole thing goes very deep.”
No green over here
We’re all for this pettiness.
Often as fans we are left wondering whether players and staff share the same passion and if they could possibly fathom the level of disdain we hold for the green side of Glasgow.
Well, here’s our answer.
It looks like the feeling runs right through the club and it shows there is no room for sentiment in Scotland – it’s all about securing bragging rights.
Steven Gerrard and his coaching staff have fostered a close relationship with the players and it is evident for all to see.
The message is clear – when you set foot in Auchenhowie you have to be Rangers obsessed and nothing less will suffice.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox News editor Ben Wild responds to fan questions in latest mailbag.