Fabio Silva doesn't understand Rangers backlash as dad goes inside Alistair Johnston battle and fans turning

Jorge Silva could sense it. Before the Old Firm derby at Ibrox, his son Fabio had impressed the Rangers support.

Without being a prolific goalscorer, the Portuguese forward had given Philippe Clement’s side fresh impetus in the title race. But after the 3-3 draw against Celtic in April which stalled their championship challenge? Silva Snr saw the tide turn against Fabio. The 21-year-old had previously been a £35million Wolves buy from FC Porto before joining Gers on loan in January.

Suddenly, Jorge would hear that price tag being mentioned more and more in Glasgow. Fabio was accused of play-acting to win his side a penalty in the fixture, with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers adamant. But Fabio’s tendency to go to ground also irked the home fans. And as the weeks went on and Rangers shipped points at the top of the table, the flak aimed at Silva intensified. By the end of his time at Ibrox – and with the title on its way to Parkhead – he’d been slated for pointing to the name on his shirt when he scored a goal.

But as Jorge – who also acts as an advisor to his boy – assesses Fabio’s loan spell, he believes the stick was unfair. The former Portugal international says it was actually Silva who gave Clement’s team hope against Celtic in Govan – and refuses to accept that he failed to perform.

Speaking exclusively to Mailsport , Jorge said: “Fabio’s career at Rangers was in two parts. Before the 3-3 Old Firm game at Ibrox, it was fine. After that, I don’t understand why everyone seemed to change their opinion on Fabio after that game.

“People have talked to me about it, saying, ‘This is the mentality at Rangers’. But I understand Fabio’s mentality. He’s a young boy.

“Before, no one spoke about the £35m fee Wolves paid for