Whatever situation Celtic and Rangers are in, one thing is always guaranteed, and that’s entertainment in the Glasgow derby.
One man who is well aware of that is Barry Ferguson, who has experienced the rivalry as a player, as well as a manager.
Amid Celtic’s dominance in Scotland, Ferguson picked up four points against Brendan Rodgers’ side last season, but he couldn’t stop the Hoops from winning title number 55.
And ahead of Sunday’s Hollywood showdown at Ibrox, Ferguson is reverting back to watching the game as a pundit, and he shared an insight into one of world football’s greatest rivalries.
Barry Ferguson on ‘respect’ for Celtic players
In today’s times, the contest at the top of Scottish football isn’t even a contest because Celtic have won 13 out of 14 titles.
But back when Ferguson was playing, there was more of a challenge and a fight, and he was at the heart of it for his team.
The former Rangers captain told Go Radio that, no matter what happened on the field of play, he ‘always had huge respect’ for the Celtic players.
“When you cross that white line, you are going to war and you want to win for your team,” said Ferguson.
“But off it, always been huge respect for one another. I respected every Celtic player I came up against. I think that’s the way you have to be. I thought that was the best way to be. That’s the way I was brought up.
“Look, you want to beat your fieriest rivals every time you enter the park. There is no doubt about that. But when that whistle went, you would have done anything to win a game of football. Scratch, bite, kick, whatever it was. I tried everything.
“But once that whistle went, even if it ended in defeat, you were disappointed. I would always put my hand out and shake their hands. The respect would come back.”
Ferguson on Celtic vs Rangers being ‘the best game in the world by a country mile’
Perhaps only the rivalry that can talk or match what Glasgow can bring to the table is the one in South America between Boca Juniors and River Plate.
But, one thing is for sure, Celtic vs Rangers, whilst not in the backdrop of millions and millions of money leagues, such as the English Premier League can provide, is still one of the best footballing contests in the world.
However, for Ferguson, it isn’t just the best, but he thinks nothing is better ‘by a country mile.’
“Certainly, when I was at Celtic Park, it was interesting the reception I got, at times,” said Ferguson about the Celtic fans.
“But listen, that’s part of it. That’s what makes the game so unique. They are fired up, desperate for their team to win. I am on the pitch, desperate for my team to win.
“I don’t think, at any stage, it went overboard. There were some things shouted, which went through one ear and out the other.
“But, in terms of the game, nothing beats it. I played in Blackburn and Burnley. Birmingham and Aston Villa. They are fierce games. But they are nowhere near; they don’t even touch a Glasgow derby. It’s the best game in the world by a country mile.”
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