Andy Halliday had to open the score for Motherwell against Rangers in order to put the side he loves under extreme pressure.
Following his goal, which prompted some halftime chats and Philippe Clement’s intervention, the 33-year-old recognised the support of his old squad by not overcelebrating, as has become the norm for contemporary football players.
Strangely, Halliday, who frequently attended Ibrox as a young player, has come under fire for his lack of celebration on the grandest platform. This is a far cry from the day, some 35 years ago, when a certain Maurice Johnston scored his first Old Firm goal for Rangers.
Andy Halliday’s response to the Rangers celebration was questioned.
As an illustration of the fury that followed Halliday’s score, Richard Gordon, a well-known Aberdeen supporter and BBC host, was unable to conceal his annoyance with the veteran midfielder’s behaviour on Sportsound:
“The entire idea of not celebrating… Gordon asked, “Maybe he was ecstatic inside, and the Motherwell supporters won’t give a jot if that ends up being the winning goal.”
That seems a little disrespectful to the club, though. The group that pays your salary? The people that cheer you on each week? In essence, he made a “I’m sorry” gesture. You’re almost regretful for scoring such a fantastic goal in the semi-final, which just seems strange.
Billy Dodds responded to Gordon by saying that Halliday should be judged by the Motherwell supporters for straining every muscle, tendon, and ligament to score, not for celebrating.
When Rangers supporters were won over by Maurice Johnston’s Old Firm victory
Although they weren’t Rangers, players at a far higher level than the SPFL have demonstrated similar behaviour and received praise for showing loyalty to their former teams.
Although Gordon has been involved with Scottish football for a long time, there are no records of his thoughts on Johnston’s thrilling late-game victory over Celtic following his contentious decision to sign with Graeme Souness in 1989.
Johnston swiftly changed the minds of the Rangers supporters who had been voicing disapproval by demonstrating the significance of scoring against his childhood side. He did this by forming a deadly partnership with Ally McCoist.
Johnston would go on to end the season as the league’s leading scorer as Rangers won two straight games, solidifying his status as Celtic’s most despised player and a fan favourite.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
