Fashion Sakala has been defended by Barry Ferguson after he branded Rangers a "better team" than Celtic - and praised Cameron Carter-Vickers for defusing the simmering row.
The outspoken Ibrox forward hasn't been shy in taking pot shots at Ange Postecoglou's side in the build up to the Viaplay Cup final. After refusing to name Celtic, instead referring to them as "the other mob", he insisted Rangers are "a far better club" than Celtic despite the Hoops holding a nine point advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
The jibes from Sakala didn't go unnoticed in Glasgow's east end when centre-back Carter-Vickers responded to the the Zambian forward. However, he played down the row insisting every sportsman shares that mentality as looked to focus on the action on the pitch with the Hampden showdown just around the corner.
Former Light Blues' captain Ferguson hailed the American international for his response - insisting he would be more concerned if Sakala didn't think Rangers were superior. Ferguson also claimed that the reality is that a Celtic player would say the same thing. He told told The Go Radio Football Show: "I would worry if he said otherwise!
"I think Carter-Vickers answered it perfectly. It was a good response from him. When I seen what Sakala said, (I thought) if I was playing and I saw a Celtic player saying that I would have no problem as well.
"I'm sure if a Celtic player got asked the same question they would answer the same as well. Certainly no problem from my side."
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