McCoist defends Diouf

03 February 2011 19:00

Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist has told those who have been "preaching" about the past misdemeanours of El-Hadji Diouf to give the new Ibrox arrival a chance.

Diouf, who is set to make his Old Firm debut in the Scottish Cup fifth round on Sunday, spat at a Celtic fan during a UEFA Cup tie in 2003, earning himself an appearance at Glasgow Sheriff Court and a £5,000 fine.

Further examples of Diouf's behaviour have been brought up, leading Rangers manager Walter Smith to compare his treatment over the past few days to that of a serial killer and McCoist said: "I don't know if I would maybe go as far as that, far from me to disagree with Walter, but I know where he's coming from."

He added: "It's a little bit amusing, shall we say, all the preachers getting on their pulpits and telling us what's right and wrong about people. I have quite enjoyed it.

"Some of them should know better, some of them have been quite embarrassing with their comments.

"We know the lad has made mistakes in the past, we have all made mistakes in the past. But nobody has any right to be judge and jury.

"All I would ask for is everyone to be fair, give the lad a chance and we'll see where he takes us."

Source: PA