Stephen Craigan has told BT Sport during his role as co-commentator what Rangers duo Leon Balogun and Amad Diallo gave Fashion Sakala a pat on the back – when the Ibrox man finally returned to the Gers bench in Seville.
Sakala, 25, entered the fray on 74 minutes as Rangers drew 1-1 with Frankfurt in the Europa League final. Joe Aribo’s strike had been cancelled out by Rafael Santos Borre. The game went the distance, to penalties.
But just before the end of extra-time, Giovanni van Bronckhorst decided to bring Sakala off – despite only introducing him in the second half. The Zambia international looked despondent, exiting the pitch on the far side.
He trudged round the pitch, earning support and applause from Rangers fans on his way round. Craigan shared what Balogun and Diallo did when he finally got back to the Gers bench – calling them “proper teammates”.
“There was a nice touch there. Fashion Sakala has just reached the dugout. Leon Balogun and Diallo came out to give him a pat on the back. They know how he’s feeling. That’s proper teammates,” Craigan said, on BT Sport.
Craigan: What Balogun, Diallo did when Rangers man Sakala returned
It was unfortunate for Sakala. The attacker may find himself very hard done by not to have started the game, with Kemar Roofe only fit enough for the bench, and Alfredo Morelos sidelined through injury.
Coming on in the 74th minute, he looked nervous. A couple of sloppy touches and passes, one lay-off that went wrong – and seeing Frankfurt counter. Allan McGregor was seen screaming “Fash” at the summer signing.
So, to be taken off, it was a bad night for Sakala all round – even if he was only removed in order to bring in on a penalty taker. Aaron Ramsey came on, a player that Kenny Miller thinks should have been introduced earlier.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
