ANDY WALKER has taken aim at new Ibrox boss Michael Beale for showing a lack of respect to Celtic by refusing to say their name during a press conference while referring to them as ‘the other team’.
It’s the kind of stuff that plays to the gallery and gets the staunch o meter hitting some high numbers. However, Walker believes while subtle digs and some behind the scenes arguments are par for the course, it shows a lack of respect on Beale’s part.
Walker told Go Radio Football Show that both Ange and Gio were respectful, showing class during their rivalry : “In my time there is a general level of respect between the players. From time to time you get a wee dig at the other, and I think it adds a wee bit of spice. I don’t think anything has got out of control.
“There is always a little gentle dig. I think when you say the behaviour of Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Ange Postecoglou – total respect for one another.
“I remember back to Billy McNeill being respectful to all managers, and I can remember him having a right good ding-dong with Graeme Souness after the first Old Firm game I played in. The two of them were going at it outside the dressing rooms, but I think you would expect that.
“There was a bit of trash talking going on after the game. When you have a microphone in front of you tend to be a bit more respectful of what, in essence, is your greatest rivals.”
Beale was the assistant manager for three seasons at Ibrox, two of those seasons Celtic won a treble and the final full season was a lock out where his team excelled in front of no fans. It’s natural he’s going to be a little bit salty.
Ange Postecoglou has shown nothing but respect since coming to Celtic and was even seen chatting to former Ibrox boss Giovanni van Bronkhorst in Glasgow.
Beale appears to lack that bit of respect and is hoping whipping up that sentiment will give him money in the bank should results not go his way.
Ange has lots of money in the bank with Celtic fans, not because he’s whipped up any bad sentiment towards the ibrox club, but because what he’s achieving with this team and the football he plays.
