Cyriel Dessers defends wild celebrations with Union Bears as he reveals respect for Rangers diehards

Cyriel Dessers insists Rangers were right to offer a little payback to the fans who stuck by them after their £40million Champions League exit.

Boss Philippe Clement led his squad over to the Union Bears for a pre-planned celebration following Saturday’s 2-0 win over St Johnstone in the Premier Sports Cup. But the sight of the Light Blues singing and dancing with supporters just days after crashing out of Uefa’s top tournament has split opinions.

Record Sport columnist Tam McManus was among those left cringing by the scenes, with the former Hibs ace posting on X: “Can only imagine what guys like John Greig, Richard Gough and Barry Ferguson must be thinking watching this. It’s St Johnstone at home in the 2nd round of the league cup.” But Dessers reckons there was no harm in Gers showing their appreciation to the ultras group for their backing after seeing off Saints in front of a half-empty Hampden.

He said: “It’s massive. I’ve played at a big club before, Feyenoord, and there were moments when we were so tired at the end of a game, down or one man down and they literally pulled us through those moments. This crowd in its best moments is unbelievable. That’s what we need as a team. In the difficult moments, if they can get behind you, it gives you such a boost.

“Then for 10 minutes, you don’t feel your legs. You keep running. On those terms, this could be an amazing connection to have – in both ways. What they give us and what we can give back to them. It’s not only the Union Bears. At every away game, they are always there. They are always loud. We hear them here at Hampden as well.

“It’s not easy to come to a place which isn’t your real home but the way they do it, I have such respect for them. Rangers fans know it as