The backdrop of groans, jeers and abuse became too much for Cyriel Dessers as he reacted to the loyal bears at Hampden last night.
A week ago some fans were trying to praise the 29-year-old striker for his last gasp equaliser away to Dinamo Kiev but deep down they know that on a good day Dessers is bang average and would struggle for a game at St Johnstone, Motherwell or Ross County.
With Danilo limping on the sidelines and Scott Wright being Scott Wright there was little option for Phil Clement other than to select Dessers for the return leg against Dinamo Kiev.
That combination of fresh air shots in the penalty box and a complete inability to retain possession is a real drawback for a sole striker with last night’s audience not known for sympathy and understanding.
Dessers getting it right up the SEVCO support
— Skipper ©️ (@northernlites__) August 13, 2024
After going down to 10 men when Jefte was red carded it was essential for Clement’s side to retain what possession they had, big Dessers wasn’t having his finest match.
Late on in the match after he failed to control a straightforward pass the growls were clearly heard with 38,000 inside Hampden- Dessers certainly heard it.
Expecting adulation he turned to the fans in the North and West Stands, raising his hands and shouting what appeared to be a very West of Scotland phrase of ‘F**k up man’.
Soon after Kiev were banging in two goals which ended the Champions League dreams of Dessers and his team-mates at an expected cost of £50m to his employers.
While others have been easing their way into the season the former Cremonese striker has played every minute of the four matches played which takes Clement’s record to seven wins in 19 matches.
Earlier in the summer there were claims that Dessers was in advanced talks to join Greek side PAOK, perhaps if a sweetener can be found last night’s fall guy can join Sam Lammers and Connor Goldson in escaping out of Ibrox.
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