Michael Beale insists he understands the Rangers fans’ frustrations after they unveiled a banner during the Livingston game making reference to his post Partick Thistle quote about upholding the club’s standards.
The Ibrox gaffer again defended his decision to allow the Jags to score an unopposed goal in their Scottish Cup win over the Championship side at Ibrox last week. Beale said the sporting gesture was important as it upheld the standards of the club. But the Light Blues ultras group the Union Bears unveiled a banner saying “Two trophies in 11 years - uphold the standards that matter”. Beale was quizzed on that message after his side won 3-0 at the Tony Macaroni Arena to make it 14 games unbeaten during his time in charge and 16 in total for the club.
He said: “I wasn’t surprised or disappointed. They pay their money and support the club and when I’m gone they’ll still be here supporting their club so I understand their frustration sometimes. I thought the right thing was done. We’re through in the cup and we won 3-0 today. We’ve got a lot to be thankful for but I get the emotions. I was a fan before I was a coach.”
Beale will be looking to improve on that trophy statistics when Rangers Celtic in the Viaplay Cup final at Hampden next week. He watched James Tavernier net a double and substitute Kemar Roofe add a third against Livi and is confident going into the showdown with their fierce rivals.
He said: "We'll definitely be going to win it. We're confident going into the game. We're 14 unbeaten since I came in but there was two more before that under Gio so that's 16 for the team across the three competitions.
"I'm delighted with where we're at, we've got one or two to come back hopefully that will make the squad stronger but it's a cup final everyone in the country should look forward to with two teams going into it on the back of fantastic form and we won't be giving a backward step and I'm sure they won't either."
On the chances of Malik Tillman, Ryan Jack and John Lundstram being back for the game game he said: "I'm unsure at the moment."
Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.
You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.
