It’s not every day that you’ll get Rangers fans praising Celtic boss Neil Lennon – but that’s exactly what happened after the Parkhead legend spoke about Fernando Ricksen.
Lennon was talking to the press ahead of his side’s crunch Europa League tie away to Stade Rennais in France.
And the Celtic manager was visibly moved as he spoke about an incredibly tough competitor whom he played against in many an Old Firm.
“It’s tragic, I’m very very upset for his family obviously, for someone who I played against in many battles in a time when both teams were very, very strong in Glasgow, in a very good era in Scottish football,” said Lennon [BBC Sport].
“And for the Glasgow public to lose him at such a young age is devastating. He put up an unbelievable fight.
“As a player he got better and better in his time at Rangers, to the point he became player of the year. He turned out to be an outstanding footballer, a great competitor.
“He was emotional to start with in his career but he really matured into a very fine player.
“Our condolences go to his family and Glasgow Rangers as well. It’s a huge loss and I have felt it myself, for someone who I played against for a long, long time.”
Rangers fans were quick to give the Celtic boss his dues for the kind words.
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The outpouring of respect for Fernando Ricksen since the right-back-turned-midfielder passed away has been overwhelming.
Be it from Rangers fans or from across football, there’s been a genuine sadness about the tragic passing of the 43-year-old.
Celtic and their supporters too – symbolised by the response of Neil Lennon – have also not let their own club down in the wake of Fernando’s death.
