Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson has spoken out following the incident that saw objects thrown at Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo during last weekend’s Glasgow derby at Ibrox.
The Finnish international was targeted during the second half of the 1-1 draw, with a range of items – including lighters, coins, vapes, and even a glass bottle – thrown onto the pitch. Sky Sports cameras captured Rangers defender Jaden Kasawirjo clearing a Buckfast bottle from the penalty area, sparking fresh concern over player safety in Scottish football’s most volatile fixture.
Speaking on Friday, he actually revealed that he’d been hit by an object and that, in his estimation, up to 40 items were thrown at him.
Ferguson, who took over managerial duties after the departure of Philippe Clement, stressed the need for supporters to stay within the lines, saying [The Herald]: “You don’t want to see things like that happen,” he said.
“I’ve been honest with you when bottles come on. That’s something that I don’t like to see. Obviously, the club are going to take action with it because it can harm a player, hurt a player.
“I’ve seen it in the past with lighters or whatever. I had that issue when I was in Fenerbahce. There was stuff flying past my head. It’s not a nice feeling. You’ve got to be careful. You’ve got to watch what you’re doing. You want your supporters to come and support the team. But when you see objects like that getting thrown on, it’s not nice to see.”
Sinisalo himself reflected on the incident earlier, calling it a “dangerous” situation and reminding people that there are “not many jobs in the world where you get bottles thrown at you.”
While Rangers have acknowledged the situation, through a statement last Sunday, and promised internal action, the fallout continues to highlight the need for stronger deterrents and protections in high-stakes fixtures before something more serious occurs.
Fans need to see real, proper and strong punishments dished out. Throwing things onto the field of play has become a common sight in the last few years, and that has to stop.
