Union Saint-Gilloise boss Karl Geraerts has dismissed claims that his side’s post-match celebrations against Rangers were disrespectful.
Gers midfielder John Lundstram accused the Belgians of over-egging it after they beat Gio van Bronckhorst’s side 2-0 in Leuven last week. The result leaves the Ibrox side needing to overcome a two-goal first leg deficit in a European tie for the first time in their history in order to progress to the Champions League playoff round, where they will face with Monaco or PSV.
USG lapped up their fans’ adulation after Teddy Teuma and Dante Vanzeir goals put them in the driving seat to win the tie. Their players linked arms at full-time and saluted the jubilant home fans as the Light Blues trudged up the tunnel following a damaging night in Belgium. The outcome stung Rangers, as did the post-match scenes, with Lundstram vowing to use them as a form of motivation ahead of the return meeting.
But Geraerts insists he and his squad meant no offence and have the utmost respect for their opponents. He insisted that celebrating like that is simply part of Belgian football culture and happens after most victories.
Geraerts said: "I think after the win we were happy. When my players win in training or in games they are happy that they have won. This is our culture. It’s not disrespect for the opponent. Not at all. We were happy for us and the efforts we made and we celebrated together but the respect we have for Rangers is very, very big, I can tell you this."
Defender Christian Burgess backed up his manager’s claims. The centre back recalled the scenes after his USG debut and says they were very similar to those witnessed last week.
"That is just Belgian culture,” he said. “My first game for Union was in the second division when we won 2-0 we celebrated like we had won the league already. It was a shock for me. But it’s just Belgian football culture. Everyone does it."
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