Rangers: Hugh Keevins raises ‘foreign managers’ point after what Philippe Clement said
Hugh Keevins has praised Rangers manager Philippe Clement for the way he handled questions regarding referee Willie Collum.
Collum has been selected to officiate the Gers’ Scottish Cup fifth-round tie with Ayr United at Ibrox on Saturday (10 February).
That is despite Rangers asking the Scottish FA not to involve the official in their matches following the Celtic game in December.
Speaking at his press conference on Friday (9 February), Clement said he is “happy” with the appointment as it means everyone can move on.
Reacting to those comments, Daily Record journalist Keevins said on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard [9 February, 1hr, 20m 24s]: “We need foreign managers here, because they’re not inflicted by the rest of Scotland and what goes on there with regards to referees.
“Clement represents a foreigner’s point of view – he’s not inflicted.”
“It’s a sign of how powerful Philippe Clement has become in such a short period of time. He’s basically said, ‘the next time you think about doing something like that, speak to me first’.”
Willie Collum back on Rangers duty at Ibrox
Clement continues to impress in every department. Not only has he showed he is a great manager when it comes to tactics and bold calls, he is also a good speaker off the field.
The Belgian could have made a song and dance out of the situation, but instead he just shot it down in an instant and now it is a bit of a non-story.
The furore surrounding the Old Firm loss to Celtic a couple of months ago is still fresh in the memory, but keeping Collum away from our fixtures was never going to happen.
This cup tie with Ayr is as good as any to help draw a line under the saga, even if many disagree with the decision.
Clement, incidentally, also spoke calmly and clearly about the decision to uphold Dujon Sterling’s red card, admitting it is never easy for a referee.
Fingers crossed this cup match passes by with no major talking points and with Rangers in the hat for the next round.
In other Rangers news, the Gers may already have an alternative to Lawrence Shankland lined up following a player’s Ibrox admission.
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