Tom English destroys Fabio Silva in Rangers draw v Celtic live on BBC Scotland
Tom English has slammed Fabio Silva for his play-acting during the first half as Rangers drew 3-3 with Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday (7 April).
The Portuguese forward went down clutching body parts several times before hopping back to his feet, prompting fans and media to offer scathing reviews of him.
Philippe Clement’s side were shellshocked after Daizen Maeda and Matt O’Riley gave the Hoops a 2-0 lead. A much improved second half saw James Tavernier and Abdallah Sima tie up the score, with Adam Idah and Rabbi Matando cancelling each other out in a dramatic finish.
Speaking live via BBC Radio Scotland on Sunday (7 April, 12:10pm), English said: “Silva has been embarrassing at times. That reaction to the block from Alistair Johnston…
“It was dreadful. John Beaton has had a very good half – it was a yellow card. But the reaction to the foul is just laughable. It’s like he’s been electrocuted. Imagine the Celtic players looking at that. Awful.”
Fabio Silva embarrasses himself during Rangers v Celtic
Silva has become a popular figure at Ibrox since arriving on loan from Wolves during the winter transfer window, having scored four times in 15 appearances.
However, the 21-year-old will not want to watch that moment back again, falling over after a tackle and smacking the ground.
He did it multiple times during the first half, getting straight back up after rolling around on the floor, only to be greeted by frustration from his own fans at Ibrox.
The youngster was almost invisible during the first 45 minutes, with many suggesting that Clement should hook him for a much more impactful winger at half-time.
With just five minutes of the half remaining, Johnston was booked after blocking Silva’s run behind, once again leaving him punching the floor in agony before quickly getting back to his feet.
The 21-year-old did win a penalty in the second half, which Tavernier tucked away in style, winning some respect back from the Ibrox faithful.
It is certainly not Silva’s finest performance in a Rangers shirt, and Clement will likely be having words with his young attacker after his shenanigans against Celtic.
In other Rangers news, police concerns have been sparked ahead of the Celtic clash amid a recent development in Scotland.
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