Chaotic Royal Antwerp escaped a players' strike after rebel Lamkel Ze was brought back into their team - despite incredibly bagging a winning goal on his return.
Rangers face the Belgian outfit in a Europa League last 32 showdown in February but Antwerp have been rocked by a bizarre saga involving Cameroon international Ze.
He sparked fury earlier this month after turning up to the club's training ground wearing an Anderlecht shirt and promised to wear the colours of rivals Beershot the following day.
The stunt was a bid to force through a transfer to Panathinaikos.
That prompted two unscheduled visits from the club's hardcore fans to training to confront the player, with Belgian riot police deployed for their second appearance.
However, new manager Franky Vercauteren reinstated him in the squad after the player promised to keep off social media and had a minder assigned to him.
Incredibly, he netted the only goal of the game on his comeback when he netted a late winner against Cercle Brugge, but Antwerp's senior players refused to congratulate him.
It's since emerged they had to be talked out of going on strike when Ze was returned to the team.
And boss Vercauteren admits he could understand why his players were upset.
He said: "We had two of our players call off just before the game, so Lamkel had to play. He did what he was asked to do and obviously greatly contributed with his goal.
"The players here have freedom of speech. I understand they wanted to express themselves and didn't want to congratulate him.
"But my job is to look after the interests and needs of this team. I would rather every match is not about this."
Steven Gerrard 's side visit Antwerp on February 18 before a return leg at Ibrox on February 25.
