Rangers interim head coach Barry Ferguson has launched a passionate defence of Vaclav Cerny, saying he’s happy to see his players celebrate winning any game they play.
The Czech Republic winger came under fire for his celebrations when Hamza Igamane scored what turned out to be the winning goal for Rangers in their 3-2 victory at Celtic Park earlier this month.
Television cameras captured Cerny spraying fans with a water bottle as he ran along the touchline, celebrating the goal.
In the aftermath of the derby match, Police Scotland confirmed they were investigating the incident and the Scottish FA’s disciplinary department could yet take action if they decide the winger may have broken their rules.
Ferguson said he didn’t have a problem with the issue and said that natural excitement was what he wanted to see.
“The reaction was that he’s excited because his teammate has just scored what turns out to be the winning goal,” the manager said.
“I would have a problem with my players or my staff sat in their seat and never saying a word.
“I want to see players or staff celebrate.
“Why do we play football? We play football to win games, and when we win games, I want to see my players and my staff celebrate alongside our supporters.
“Sometimes you get a wee bit overexcited, and I’ve no issue with that. As I said, he’s just overexcited with his teammate Hamza scoring a goal to get us three points where we’ve not been able to do that for five years, which is a long time.”
The former Rangers captain shrugged off any potential action from the authorities, saying: “I’ll let them deal with that.
“I’ve had a private chat with Vaclav and that’ll remain private. But one thing I’ve made clear to my players and my staff is that when we score, we celebrate.
“And after the game, whether it’s Celtic, Fenerbahce, St Mirren or Dundee, Aberdeen, Hibs or Hearts, if that whistle goes and we’ve won three points, I have no issue with going and celebrating with your fans.
“These guys pay a fortune to go everywhere and come and support us.
“I want to see a bit of passion, not just from the fans but from my players.”
Aside from the controversy around his celebration, there has been a lot of talk about the long-term future of Cerny, who is on loan from Wolfsburg.
Ferguson, who is on a short-term contract until the end of the season himself, made it clear Cerny is the sort of player he would like to see in the team after the summer.
“I can only talk since I’ve been here as manager, and he’s been outstanding for me,” he said. “I’ve asked him to do things that maybe previously it’s not been a part of his game. And I’m talking about the dirty side of the game when we’ve not got the ball.
“He has to be a real teammate and work hard for his team and we can see what he’s produced.
“We all know his quality going forward in the final third. I call these players ‘difference makers’ and that’s what Vaclav is.
“He’s a difference maker, but what I’ve loved from him is his work without the ball. It’s been excellent and it’s something that I said to him if he adds to his game then he’s going to be even better than what he is.
“In terms of him staying here long-term, I’ve not spoken to him about it, if I’m honest with you.
“I would love to see a player of that quality remain here but I would hazard a guess that there’s going to be a lot of clubs interested in him.”
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