Brendan Rodgers seemingly called out Barry Ferguson on Friday.
In a passionate defence of Rangers boss Russell Martin, the Celtic manager slammed the media’s treatment of his opposite number.
He particularly singled out people who were not long ago in the job, in what appeared to be a pointed statement aimed at Ferguson and his backroom staff.
Since leaving Ibrox, he has returned to a role in the media. Neil McCann and Billy Dodds, who were members of the backroom staff, have also been working in punditry.
Given the disastrous start that Martin has had to life in charge of Rangers, it’s understandable that their opinions of him haven’t been positive – one former Celtic man has joined Rodgers in defending him.
Andy Walker defends Barry Ferguson and hits back at Brendan Rodgers
As an experienced member of the Scottish media, Andy Walker knows what it’s like to be called out by managers for his comments.
READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers sets Michel-Ange Balikwisha record straight as Celtic winger’s position made clear
And speaking to the Go Radio Football Show, he jumped to Ferguson’s defence.
Walker said: “I think an interesting point to be made – that Barry won’t make himself – Barry Ferguson and his coaching staff went to Celtic Park last year.
“I don’t know what the input was before the game, but they put on a magnificent performance and won 3-2. I’ve worked with Neil for a lot of years at Sky – I have always found his analysis pretty well-informed.
“I would happily admit that not every time would I agree with his analysis, but I didn’t think anything was personal, as someone who has worked in the media for a long time.
“I have had managers take me to task, and that’s totally fine, they’ve disagreed with my opinion. I’ve sometimes disagreed with their football opinion and I don’t have a problem with anyone wanting to give me a call,
“This whole morality in football thing, when you think of some of the people involved at football clubs, and the morality of these individuals – that’s maybe a chat for another day.”
Walker responding to a nameless accusation with a nameless accusation there.
Andy Walker’s public spat with then-Celtic boss Neil Lennon
In the midst of a troublesome 2020-21 season behind closed doors, Walker and then-Celtic manager Neil Lennon once had a public fallout.
The infamous Dubai incident caused tensions to boil over, and in an astonishing rant, Lennon had a pop at ‘certain pundits’ for misrepresenting the situation.
Ferguson isn’t quite in that position, but for Walker to defend him so strongly is certainly interesting.
This is especially the case given Rodgers’ reputation for being a master of media communication – taking him on isn’t for everybody.
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