Rangers star Nicolas Raskin DELETES post about fans’ pyro that delayed Dundee clash
RANGERS put five goals past Dundee to continue their excellent start to life under new boss Philippe Clement.
But that was just part of the story of what ended up being a rather odd night at Dens Park.
A heavy downpour early in the day prompted enough concern for Dundee to put out a statement warning that the game could be in danger of being called-off.
That didn't happen, but it was subjected to a 45 minute delay after the Rangers team bus was late arriving after being caught up in traffic chaos.
And just two minutes after things finally got going at 8.30pm, the game was brought to a halt again.
Rangers fans set off flares in the away end of the stadium and ref Kevin Clancy stopped the match as smoke billowed from the bright-red lit stand.
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But the pyro triggered fire alarms and the police took control of the stadium.
The players were taken off the park with another 15 minute delay to proceedings while the authorities ensured everything was safe.
Rangers could now potentially face sanctions after the flares were let off.
Speaking after the game, boss Philippe Clement says he wants the fire to be kept 'outside of the stadium.'
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He said: “I hope that the club does not face sanctions.
“You come here in the warm-up and the stand is full, everyone is chanting and supporting the players, giving a lot of energy.
“Those are very important things.
“We feel also the dynamic between fans and players is changing and it’s because of both sides.
“The supporters are positive to the players and the players are doing the right things on the pitch.
“Those things we need to continue doing and not pyro things, because going inside is not a good thing.
“It’s really good to have all this support, all these songs and all this energy – I love it – but keep the fire outside of the stadium."
While the pyro display ended up causing a substantial delay, many Rangers fans appeared to be divided on it.
Some railed against the pyro and criticised their fellow fans for the disruption but others commented on being impressed by the look of the display.
Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, who missed the game through injury, took to social media to comment on the pyro.
He posted a picture of the Bob Shankly Stand illuminated with the red pyrotechnics, and captioned it: "What a support 🤩💙"
The post was put up while the match was ongoing.
But it wasn't there for long with Raskin deleting the post soon after.
Teammate Todd Cantwell also appeared to nod towards the pyro with his own post on X.
He said: "Boys are cooking 💙 Away support always on fire 🤣🔥"
Five different players scored for Rangers in the 5-0 win.
The fourth was scored by Cyriel Dessers but Dundee were left furious.
That's because referee Kevin Clancy inadvertently got in the way of Luke McCowan as the Dee man prepared to receive a pass and blocked him off - with Rangers charging down the other end of the park to score.
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Boss Tony Docherty described it as "bizarre" but despite the protests, Clancy was CORRECT to let the goal stand.
That's because there's no law that requires referees to stop a game if they impede a player - only if they make contact with the ball.
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