Friday 23 January 2015 08:10, UK
Former Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson has urged supporters to put their differences with the club’s board aside at Fernando Ricksen’s testimonial.
Reports in Scotland have suggested a large section of Rangers supporters will boycott the match, which is to be held this Sunday in honour of the Dutchman, who is suffering with Motor Neurone Disease.
Rangers fans have been staying away from Ibrox in their droves leading to record-low attendances, as trust in the club’s board reaches an all-time low.
But Ferguson, who played alongside Ricksen at Rangers in the mid-00s, hopes a full house will show its support for a “tremendous servant", who played for the club for six years.
Ferguson said: “I have no doubt the fans will forget about the off-field stuff and their issues with the way the club is being run. It's Fernando's day. Let's not forget that.
“He's going through a hard time and I'm sure the fans will realise the profits are going to Fernando, his kid, Motor Neurone Disease and various other charities.
“I hope the crowd is a big one. I've heard it's at 23,000 or 24,000 and I just hope it's a full house. I'm more than sure there will be a great turnout for him.”
There have also been suggestions former Rangers boss Ally McCoist, who left the club earlier this month after handing in his resignation, will not be allowed to attend the game by the club’s board.
And Ferguson said: “If Ally wants to come and support Fernando I don't see why he shouldn't be allowed to.
“It's a great cause. Fernando has a terrible illness and if someone wants to come and show their support for Fernando, I don't see why it should be a problem.
“I'm really looking forward to the match and meeting a lot of the lads I used to play with. Everything that has happened to Fernando just makes you appreciate life a lot more.”
