There is no rivalry like Celtic vs Rangers across world football.
Over the years, it has produced some memorable moments, and former Celtic captain Scott Brown has been part of his fair share.
From Celtic’s perspective, one of the most hated Rangers players in recent times has been former striker El Hadji Diouf.
There is that famous image of Brown scoring against the Gers, and then standing in front of Diouf with his arms aloft to celebrate.
Diouf thought he was a talker on the field, but he never met anyone like the no-nonsense Brown, who was one of the most colourful characters to have ever played in the intense heat of the Glasgow derby.
But speaking on BBC Sport, Brown was reading out a question from a supporter, who told him that, once upon a time, he signed the legendary midfielder for Rangers on Football Manager, and he played alongside a certain Diouf.
Brown was then asked to share his thoughts on the former Gers man, and whether or not they could have been ‘pals in real life.’
In typical Brown style, he gave a blunt and forthright response.
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Celtic hero Scott Brown makes his feelings clear about El Hadji Diouf
Brown reads a question from a fan: “I once signed you for Rangers in Football Manager 2007. Where, funnily enough, you became part of an attack alongside El Hadji Diouf. Do you think you guys could have ever been pals in real life?
Brown then responds to the question: “No, just no. He was a horrible guy. Horrible man. That’s that question done.”
Characters like Brown are now a dying breed
Brown would talk the talk, and then walk the walk. That’s why he won so many trophies at Parkhead.
But it’s fair to say that players like him are now a dying breed. Modern-day players are too robotic and media-trained.
That doesn’t mean fans still aren’t treated to their fair share of entertainment in these huge games, as Celtic’s penalty shootout win over Rangers in March proved.
The chaos that followed the conclusion of that Scottish Cup quarter-final was simply fantastic. Julian Araujo was on the wind-up like Brown in his prime, and it all ended up with Rangers going trophyless once again.
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