Rangers and Celtic fan difference highlighted by BBC Sportscene pundit in Ibrox title claim
Neil McCann believes the patience being shown by Rangers fans towards their side is something title rivals Celtic are currently lacking.
Rangers defeated Ross County 3-1 at Ibrox on Wednesday (14 February) to draw level on points and goal difference with Celtic.
The Gers were pegged back by a Simon Murray goal just before the half-hour mark, but they regained the lead before half-time and saw the job through in the second half.
Speaking on BBC Sportscene [14 February], former Rangers player McCann said: “The one thing I’d like to point out is that a fanbase can be a real powerhouse but can also be a real weakness.
“I think the [Rangers] fans are showing a real true form of support because so often, even when I was playing, they get on edge. They know they need goals.
“They want to go top of the league so badly after being so far behind but there’s an enormous amount of patience being shown by that support right now and that is helping the team stay relaxed, cool and calm – it’s maybe not the same across the city.”
Ibrox factor potentially decisive in Scottish Premiership title battle
The arrival of Philippe Clement has had an almighty impact at Ibrox – both on and off the field. Every player has improved and there is now much more of a gameplan, while supporters have also learned to have faith.
Whether it is recovering from a setback, such as against Ross County, or just failing to break down stubborn opponents, Gers fans stick behind the team throughout.
It is a different picture at Celtic, where the fanbase is growing restless and there are clearly signs of discontent between the manager and the board.
That is something that is playing massively into Rangers’ hands in this thrilling title battle. Having worked so hard to draw level, the Light Blues now need to move outright top and take control at the summit.
If that is to happen, supporters needs to continue sticking behind the side and ensure that remains the case even after the odd bad result or two. In Clement, fans have a manager they can truly believe in.
In other Rangers news, the club can now have no excuses not to sign an “outstanding” gem in the summer transfer window.
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