Jack Butland questioned by Tom English over fan confrontation footage for BBC Sport.
Jack Butland has informed Tom English that the Rangers fan who challenged him following the loss to Aberdeen earlier this season is “happy now”.
The BBC Sport journalist (23 February) asked the Ibrox keeper about footage of him attempting to placate an upset supporter outside the ground after the 3-1 defeat [The National, 2 October], a day before Michael Beale was sacked. The keeper admitted the situation was “fine” but would have preferred not to be filmed.
However, he disclosed that he has encountered the same fan several times since, who is significantly more delighted with the marked turnaround under Philippe Clement.
English inquired: “I saw a video the other night of you losing 3-1 to Aberdeen, and a supporter grabbed you after that loss, and he wasn’t happy. A) Does that feel like a million years ago? And B) how did you feel in such situation?”
Butland responded: “Regardless matter whether I win, lose, or draw, I usually stop and sign stuff for the kids and everything like that afterward, and there just happened to be a few fans that wanted a little more interaction, which is great.
“I’m always happy to communicate with them, but there are occasions when camera phones and other devices are unnecessary. We had a good conversation.
“I imagine if you bumped into that same guy today you probably…” English began before Butland interjected, “I’ve run into him a few times since, yeah.” “He’s happy now.”
“He’s got a lot to be happy about,” English said.
Jack Butland says that Rangers fans are no longer upset.
It’s been less than five months since the home defeat that ended Beale’s tenure at Ibrox, and the progress has been quite positive.
Since Clement took control, only the contentious 2-1 loss to Celtic at Parkhead has not gone as planned. The Viaplay Cup has been won, and the Hoops’ seven-point disadvantage at the top of the SPFL has been reduced to a two-point lead.
There is still a long way to go, but it is unsurprising that the same fan’s perspective has shifted, as will most.
It won’t mean much unless Butland, Clement, and the Rangers players see it through, but the Belgian is doing well thus far.
The English keeper’s strong debut season in Scotland has led to the club rejecting a transfer approach from Nottingham Forest last month [STV, 30 January]. He is also expected to be recalled to England.
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