Barry Ferguson Slams Leon Balogun for “Horrible” Reaction After Disallowed Goal
Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson did not hold back in his criticism of defender Leon Balogun following Rangers’ recent match, blasting the Nigerian international for what he described as a “horrible” display immediately after a goal was disallowed.
Speaking after the game, Ferguson expressed his frustration with Balogun’s performance during a critical moment that could have shifted the momentum in Rangers’ favour. The incident in question occurred shortly after Rangers saw a goal chalked off, and Ferguson believes Balogun’s reaction—or lack thereof—played a significant role in what followed.
“You’ve got to stay switched on,” Ferguson said. “When a goal is ruled out, that’s when you need your defenders to show leadership and focus. Balogun completely lost his concentration, and it cost the team. His response after the disallowed goal was nothing short of horrible.”
Ferguson, known for his passion and high standards during his playing days, was visibly upset with what he perceived as a lack of urgency and awareness from the experienced centre-back.
“He’s a senior player. You expect better,” Ferguson added. “That moment was crucial, and instead of rallying the team, he looked rattled and uncertain. It’s not good enough at this level.”
Balogun, who rejoined Rangers after a brief spell away from the club, has been trusted by manager Philippe Clement to bring stability and experience to the backline. However, this incident has now brought his place under scrutiny, with fans and pundits questioning whether he can deliver consistently in high-pressure situations.
Ferguson’s comments reflect a wider sense of frustration among supporters, who expected a stronger reaction from the team after the disallowed goal. With the title race heating up and every match becoming increasingly vital, Ferguson’s critique serves as a stark reminder that standards at Rangers must remain high—especially from seasoned players like Balogun.
Whether the defender can bounce back and prove his critics wrong remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Barry Ferguson will be watching closely.