Frank de Boer ‘banned from Celtic pitchside interview due to Rangers past’

A DUTCH journalist has claimed that UEFA banned Ajax manager Frank de Boer from being interviewed pitchside ahead of the Europa League clash with Celtic - because of his Rangers past.
Frank de Boer watches over an Ajax training session on the Celtic Park turf. Picture: SNSFrank de Boer watches over an Ajax training session on the Celtic Park turf. Picture: SNS
Frank de Boer watches over an Ajax training session on the Celtic Park turf. Picture: SNS

Marcel Maijer, a reporter with RTL7, tweeted that European football’s governing body had ‘deemed it too high a risk’ to allow de Boer to be interviewed pitchside at Celtic Park because of his time at rivals Rangers.

De Boer joined Rangers in 2004, making 17 appearances and scoring twice and linking up with twin brother Ronald, who had arrived at Ibrox in 2000.

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Maijer, who regularly conducts interviews with managers and players when Dutch clubs play in Europe, will get a chance to speak to de Boer in Glasgow tonight - but behind closed doors.

Ahead of tonight’s match, de Boer implied that Celtic were struggling because of the absence from the Scottish top flight of his former club.

De Boer said: “It’s a little bit the same in Scotland as happens in Holland. Normally, Celtic dominate in their own league but it’s difficult to get good results in Europe.

“It’s a pity they haven’t been able to play against Rangers in the last four seasons because that brings something extra to the league.

“It will be good for the competition when Rangers are back and able to fight for the title again.”

Celtic take on Ajax at Celtic Park this evening, kick-off at 8.05pm.