John Hartson says Fashion Sakala ought to have shown Celtic more respect when discussing his Rangers side's Viaplay Cup final chances.
The Zambian forward referred to the holders as 'the other mob' ahead of their meeting at Hampden on Sunday. Michael Beale's side are trailing behind Ange Postecoglou's by nine points in the Premiership but rivalry has been cranked up a notch ahead of their meeting at the national stadium.
Former Light Blues captain and Record Sport columnist Barry Ferguson reckons respect is key right up until you cross the white line of play, and Hartson agreed that more should be showed towards the Celtic by the Rangers attacker. He explained on Go Radio: "It did not bother me. People can say what they want, you have a job to do at the end of the day. You turn up and you are really focused, you aren't bothered by what the opposition say or think.
"On the day you need to back yourself and Celtic know they can potentially win this game. Rangers will feel the same way.
"All that sort of stuff on social media, making headlines, it's up to them as they can do what they want. I am not overly bothered by it.
"Barry is right. I think you be a bit more respectful."
Ferguson had said: "I always respected, always, that went out the window when you crossed the white line but I think you have got to give respect. If you are not respectful, nine times out of 10 you are going to get a slap in the face, so it's interesting to see what Sakala has said."
