There was only one player-versus-player contest that fans were transfixed on during Saturday’s Old Firm derby.
Scott Brown and Joey Barton did battle in the centre of the park when Celtic trounced Rangers 5-1, comprehensively claiming Glasgow’s bragging rights for the time-being.
Given Barton’s pre-match comments on his midfield rival, many expected a few clashes between the fiery pair but skirmishes were few and far between, with neither picking up so much as a booking.
Joey Barton doesn't hang around as he gets rivalry with Scott Brown started with unprovoked dig https://t.co/Ac4OeqGSsV
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 11, 2016
There were a few on-pitch encounters, including an intense drop ball and a very deliberate celebration from the Scot when Celtic’s second went in.
@celticfc @paddypower @ScottBrown8 hahah we know who’s won the battle @Joey7Barton pic.twitter.com/xd0w1nZH6u
— Alex McFadden (@AlexMcFadden180) September 10, 2016
Scott Brown cupping his ear to Joey Barton as he goes to celebrate Celtic’s second goal this afternoon.. pic.twitter.com/I4YUy2B6qZ
— talkingbaws (@talkingbaws) September 10, 2016
And after the game, Brown was asked what he said to Barton when he sprinted in his direction.
“I just made sure he was all right,” Brown said on Sky Sports 2.
With all the pre-match hype that surrounded their duel, the Hoops captain sounded pretty content with his day’s work.
“Easy, it was fine, it wasn’t a problem,” he added. “There was no battling whatsoever.”
It was then that Brown decided to add insult to injury when he gave his opinion on who came out on top.
“The scoreline talks for itself at the end of the day,” he said.
“It was pretty much men against boys at the end of the day.
“We’re a great team, very close together and I think it showed out on the park.”
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