Leon Balogun slams Rangers fans over Cyriel Dessers disrespect as he warns them ‘watch the language’

Leon Balogun has hit out at Rangers fans for their abuse of Cyriel Dessers.

The veteran Light Blues defender didn't hold back as he launched a passionate defence of his team-mates and in particular Dessers. His Ibrox and Nigeria colleague has had a rocky relationship with the Ibrox support with supporters quick to get on his back when things aren't going well or big chances are spurned.

Some Rangers fans booed Dessers ON when he was introduced during the recent Scottish Premiership wins over St Johnstone and Aberdeen. But close pal and Rangers team-mate Balogun can't understand the viewpoint as the fans would want that same player to actually score or defend better while on the pitch.

He's happy for criticism to be aimed at professionals, but the language used can cross the line. He shared a story from facing Aberdeen when he joined team-mate Nico Raskin and delivered a message to the fans.

Asked on the Counter Attack Podcast how difficult it is when the fans start getting on the back of a player and you witness it, he explained: "It is, but it shouldn't be. Not to that extent. We’ve had it here in the past when a player comes on and gets booed or a player comes off and gets clapped off but in a sarcastic type of way.

“I don’t condone that at all because it’s the same player that you would actually want to score or defend better. You can criticise them heavily, but watch the language. It is extremely disrespectful.

“Now I know that some fans would say his performance was disrespectful but if you see the effort (they put in) then you can’t put that on disrespect because he has tried his best. All you can do, is all you can do, right? You can criticise his quality, fair enough, but it’s always about how you do things in