Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Mark Jones

Jamie Carragher hits out at "charlatan" Boris Johnson over Rangers Europa League support

Boris Johnson's rather unconvincing message of support for Rangers ahead of the Europa League final didn't fool Jamie Carragher.

The Liverpool legend was quick to reply to a video message from the prime minister's Twitter account in which he wished the Scottish giants luck in their clash with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville.

Reading from an autocue, the prime minister said: "I want to wish Rangers the very best of luck in tonight's Europa League final.

"A lot has happened to the club since you last had a game like this to look forward to. So it's a fantastic reward for the fans' dedication, through thick and thin.

"And it's always great for UK sport, and for the UK as a whole to see our great teams performing on the grandest of stages.

"So whatever happens on the pitch, I couldn't be happier to see you flying the flag out in Spain. And I know that you'll do us all proud. Good luck."

Carragher wasn't convinced though, and quote tweeted Johnson's video with the words: "This charlatan needs an autocue because he’s not got a clue who Rangers are & what the Europa League is."

As many as 100,000 Rangers supporters are expected in the Spanish city for the final, and although there have been some isolated incidents of trouble, there have been plenty of good-natured exchanges between the two sets of fans.

Rangers fans are out in force in Seville (PA)

Several Rangers legends have pleaded for the fans to act as "ambassadors" for the club, with former captain John Greig - who led the Gers to European Cup Winners' Cup glory in 1972 - telling the fans: "To see Rangers in a European final is something many of us thought would not be possible again, and I've been so taken by the incredible lengths you are going to in order to reach Seville to back the team out there.

"It is vital that we all act responsibly and remember the values that this institution stands for."

On Monday Johnson criticised Liverpool supporters for booing the national anthem before the Reds' FA Cup final victory over Chelsea at Wembley, with Reds fans exercising their right to protest against social inequality.

Asked if Johnson agreed with the booing, the prime minister's official spokesman said: "No. Obviously the events over the weekend, it was a great shame that as we were making 150 years of the FA Cup that brings people together that a small minority chose to act in that way.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.