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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Ben Banks

Barry Ferguson questions Celtic and Kyogo referee narrative as his Alloa players told to copy striker

Former Rangers midfielder and Alloa Athletic manager Barry Ferguson can't believe the criticism Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi has faced for diving.

But he doesn't think the Japanese attacker will be affected one bit by the noise.

Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou has jumped to the defence of his forward this week, who's antics on the park have been questioned.

Some have labelled Furuhashi a diver after incidents in recent Celtic matches against Livingston and Hearts.

Ferguson believes the 14-goal 26-year-old is a great asset for his Scottish football and his League One Alloa side are taking tips from him.

He told Go Radio: “In terms of the diving, I don’t think he’ll be bothered one single bit. I think he’s enjoying the physical side of the game over here.

"It looks to me like he’s happy, he’s enjoying the football. And in terms of referees it shouldn’t matter. You shouldn’t go into a game thinking, ‘am I going to be watching out for Kyogo diving’.

“They shouldn’t be going into a game thinking like that. In terms of Kyogo, he’s been a shining light for the game here.

“I always say to our strikers at my club, Alloa, watch him, watch his movement. The thing I like about him is when he loses the ball, he chases back 30, 40 yards to help his team out.

“Look, he’s been fantastic for the game over here.”

We’ve teamed up with LiveScore to invite fans to vote for their favourite results - the games which were much more than a score. Vote for the match that mattered to you here

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