When bluenose Sheffield United striker Oliver McBurnie was spotted in the Swansea crowd gesturing to Cardiff fans, it had shades of events involving an ex-Rangers player at Celtic Park only a few weeks earlier.
The Scottish international striker was given an English FA slap on the wrist after he was spotted in the crowd during the 0-0 draw last weekend.
But spare a thought for former Rangers winger Fraser Aird who was publicly slated by former club Cove Rangers for doing the same thing v Celtic, whilst McBurnie’s boss has defended the striker.
Aird was sent packing by Cove Rangers after the gesture during Rangers’ 2-1 win over Celtic at Parkhead.
The incident led to the Ibrox winger being released by Cove Rangers – despite his contract coming to an end within days of the Old Firm match – and even apologised for his role in the situation.
In contrast to Paul Hartley and Cove, likeable Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has leapt to the defence of his £20m striker even if he has reminded him of his responsibilities.
“We reminded him that he has a responsibility,” said Wilder [BBC Sport].
“He’s a footballer and with social media and cameras everywhere you can’t get involved. He must represent himself, more than anything, a touch better and he understands that.
“I have no problem with Oli going back to watch them, he has a big connection there.
“There was a time when I was a player at other clubs, and when I was a manager at other clubs, that I would rush back to Sheffield to go and watch United, or away from home.
“I think it’s refreshing that he wants to go and watch games of football. We just had a word with him on the other bit [gesture]. As far as I’m concerned we move on now.”
Still, when it comes to Fraser Aird things haven’t exactly ended all bad for the Canadian international if reports are to be believed.
The former Ibrox winger has been linked with a move to the Landon Donovan led and aptly named San Diego Loyal [Daily Record].
