Malik Tillman was blown away by the size of the rivalry with Celtic during his time with Rangers.
The 21-year-old played five close Old Firm matchups last season while on loan at Ibrox; he lost four and drew the other.
Tillman, who is currently on loan at PSV, has participated in a few derbies with Feyenoord. On Sunday, March 3, the two teams will play again in the Eredivisie.
When asked about his Rangers against Celtic experience, Tillman is reported by the Daily Record [2 March] as responding, “Old Firm games? Whoa!
“I recall a great deal of stress. When I played for the Rangers, we unfortunately didn’t win one, but it was still a fantastic experience.
Following the initial encounter with Celtic, spectators from outside were prohibited. After that, you played in a stadium where everyone was rooting against you. Nobody applauded if you scored.
“The games were insane, something really different. We have a rivalry with Feyenoord at PSV, but it’s not the same in Glasgow.
“It’s about different things too because, for example, when the supporters of the two clubs fight, it’s about issues like religion.”
The biggest Derby around is Old Firm
Which British football derby is the best? This is arguably the oldest ongoing argument among football fans. By now, you are aware of all the typical recommendations, but none compare to Rangers vs Celtic.
In reality, ask people who have participated in numerous derbies instead than letting supporters convince you otherwise. The Old Firm more than holds its share of the wildest derbies in Europe.
Tillman is right when he says that the rivalry transcends football, and regrettably, it may occasionally travel too far off the field.
The fact that away fans are now absent from both Celtic Park and Ibrox detracts from the spectacle that is this highlight match.
For the benefit of all parties, that should be fixed as quickly as possible. Tillman may at least claim to have been involved in an Old Firm match, even though it is unfortunate that he was not on the winning team.
In other Rangers news, prior to the Gers’ game against Motherwell, Philippe Clement provided an injury update.
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