NIR BITTON insists the rivalry and 'hatred' between Celtic and Rangers is unlike anything else he's experienced in his career.
The former Parkhead midfielder opened up on the horror abuse he faced after derby clashes as he recalled a derby moment which left him in tears.
Bitton called time on his trophy-laden Celtic career at the end of the season as he moves on to a new challenge in the summer.
And while the majority of his near decade-long spell in Glasgow was a success, he opened up on one of the most difficult times in his life after a derby match last season.
Bitton was sent off against Rangers in the January 2021 clash between the sides as Rangers ran out 1-0 winners.
And in the aftermath Bitton revealed he suffered nightmare abuse and didn't want to even leave his house.
Speaking to Israeli outlet 1Sport, Bitton said: "Rangers and Celtic is something I can not even explain in words.
"It's a hatred I've never encountered in terms of football and sports.
"In Old Firm week, if you win you can go naked in the city, if you lose you better stay home, cover yourself with all the blankets you can and disconnect from social media.
"Last year when I got the red in the Old Firm, it was the hardest time of my life.
"I have never faced such a difficulty in my life. There were thousands of posts, I stopped counting, I stopped logging on to Instagram.
"I would find myself lying in bed crying. I said 'How did I get here? What did I do when I got here?'
"It was not an easy time, when my wife wanted us to go shopping I would tell her' sorry, I'm not leaving the house."
