Rangers manager downplays altercation between Nigerian team mates on Saturday

GLASGOW Rangers manager Danny Röhl has played down the on-field altercation between Nigerian teammates Emmanuel Fernandez and Tochi Chukwuani during the club's 6-3 victory over Falkirk in Saturday's league match.

In a dramatic match that saw Rangers come back from two goals down in the first 26 minutes of the game, the two Nigerian compatriots were involved in a heated altercation. However, Mr Rohl dismissed the clash as a sign of growing leadership within the squad, insisting that the moment reflected a positive shift in team mentality rather than a cause for concern.

Following the victory, Rangers now sit in second place in the table, just a pint behind leaders Hearts. After the team fell behind by two goals in the 26th minute, Fernandez confronted his team-mate over his role in conceding the opening two goals but Chukwuani responded by pulling one back just before half-time.

Mr Rohl said: "We were honest to each other at half-time. I especially liked that the players were also honest with each other, which helps. I was able to give them some instructions and solutions and in the second half, it was one direction.

"It wasn't necessary for me to give too many emotions at half-time because the players themselves were emotional. They spoke to each other and that shows we're growing as a group and we have leaders in the right moments."

He explained that his key contribution at the break was to reinforce belief and fine-tune the team's approach, particularly their pressing structure. Both Fernandez and Chukwuani went on to play important roles in the comeback, underlining the manager's assertion that the squad is developing resilience and accountability.

"We were more hungry and front-footed which helps. When I got here, it was quiet. I remember after the game in Bergen, I tried to start a conversation with the players but I spoke more than them. "Now, finally we're growing. That's normal, that's the culture that we want," Mr Rohl added.