Tam McManus blasts Ryan Jack boo boys as Rangers midfielder's critics told to let it go

When it comes to being a target of the boo-boys, nobody copped it worse than I did during my playing days.

I was somebody opposition fans loved to hate and I took plenty of abuse down the years. Of course, there were occasions at Hibs when I got a bit of stick from my own fans too after missing some chances. But the one thing I can’t ever remember having to suffer was being booed by supporters who were supposed to be on my own side.

That’s the nonsense Ryan Jack had to put up with at Hampden on Saturday as his name was read out over the PA before kick-off with Cyprus. It was bang out of order from the small section of the Tartan Army who took part. We’re all Scottish and the club rivalries should be left at Hampden’s front door when we turn out to support the national team.

I’m 100 percent certain that when Ryan Jack pulls on that dark blue jersey he gives his all to help Scotland get a result. So it was really disappointing to hear him get that treatment.

No doubt it will have hurt Ryan, who to me looks to be as patriotic as anyone in that squad. It can’t be easy either for his family either, having to sit in the stand at Hampden and hear their son, their brother, their husband and father get that ridiculous treatment from their own side.

It’s not the first time either. He was booed on his debut up at Pittodrie by Aberdeen fans upset that he had signed for Rangers. I’m not sure if it’s still the Dons contingent amongst the Tartan Army who can’t let that go or if it’s fans from other clubs.

Whatever the reason, it’s poor as far as I’m concerned. Steve Clarke has done a magnificent job uniting the country behind this Scotland team and the last thing we need is one of our most important players being treated like this.

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