Rangers players will be the only losers in spat with fans

Players need to focus on their football and ignore criticism from the crowd.

There isn’t a player in world football who has gained from arguing with his own supporters.

And Rangers defender Richard Foster isn’t going to be the first.

The full-back became embroiled in a war of words with the Light Blues’ travelling support during the week as they defeated East Fife in the Petrofac Training Cup.

Exactly what was said to provoke a reaction from the player none of us are privy to.

But you would imagine it would have been something to do with Foster’s performance on the night.

And, if that is the case, the full-back would have been best to just shut his mouth and get on with it.

There is absolutely nothing to gain from having a spat with your own fans. If anything, you only succeed in making yourself more of a target in the future.

I’m sure that is what Ally McCoist has told the player following the incident on Tuesday night.

Sometimes you just need to keep your head down and do what you’re getting paid for.

During my own playing career, I found the Manchester United fans at Old Trafford a hard bunch to please.

It wasn’t easy for me. But I just kept the head down and get on with it. Eventually, if it gets that bad, you have no option but to move clubs.

The more your own support criticise you, the more it impacts on your confidence levels and, in turn, your performances.

The only way I would advocate having a pop back at fans is if their abuse is personal.

Fans pay their money so they are entitled to give a player stick if they aren’t doing the business.

But if they shout something about your wife or family, then that is not acceptable. I can’t recall sharing the pitch with someone who suffered that sort of abuse.

When I was going to Celtic Park as a fan in the Seventies, midfielder Tommy Callaghan used to get stick every time he played and I mean EVERY time.

Even if Tommy was having a great game, the supporters would get on his back. But not once did he react. He just got on with it and tried his best on the pitch.

So if I was to give Richard Foster any advice, it would be to do the same.

That also applies to his team-mate, Bilel Mohsni, who was involved in a similar incident with the Rangers fans a few weeks ago.

It’s important players respect their supporters and form a good relationship with them.

Mario Balotelli will be doing well not to come in for huge criticism from the Liverpool fans after he swapped shirts with Real Madrid defender Pepe at half-time last Wednesday night with his team 3-0 down.

There will always only be one winner. So modern-day players should try their best to avoid anything that will antagonise their own support.