Steven Gerrard’s support of Leigh Griffiths was a classy move from the Rangers manager after yesterday’s news.
The Celtic striker is having to take a spell out of the game to sort out some personal demons. He’ll be out of football indefinitely as he looks to overcome his addictions.
Just days ago, Griffiths was talking up his side’s chances in the Old Firm game in December, with everything looking fine for him. But yesterday Brendan Rodgers confirmed he needs take some time of overcome his problems.
And Rangers boss Gerrard was quick to jump on and send his support to the Celtic striker as he looks to overcome his issues.
“Leigh has got some issues that Brendan mentioned today in his press conference.
“That is sad news. We wish Leigh well and hope to see him back on a football pitch pretty soon.”
Bitterness not needed in times like this
Griffiths has a serious gambling addiction that he needs to overcome. Whether you like the Scotland international or not, football doesn’t matter when it comes to mental health.
The Celtic striker has always been vilified by the Rangers fans for his actions on Old Firm games. It’s important not to let that cloud your sympathy of what’s simply a man who needs help to beat an addiction that’s affecting his mental state.
Gerrard has shown some real class with his comments here. It’s exactly the kind of response you would want from any other manager had Rangers had a player struggling with mental health issues.
In terms of on the pitch, however, it leaves Rangers’ rivals with just one fit striker until January. Whether Rangers could use that to their benefit or not remains to be seen. As it stands, however, Griffiths won’t be a part of the Celtic squad for their trip to Ibrox on December 29th.
