Darren O’Dea has explained why he spoke out about the tax cheating years of Rangers (IL).
The former Celtic defender took to twitter asking when his SPL medals would be delivered after the tax evading EBT scheme used by the Ibrox club was declared illegal with tax due.
Many players would have retracted that opinion or put it down to banter but O’Dea stuck by his words when he was contacted by Radio Scotland.
A disappointing number of former Celtic players have trotted out the pre-prepared ‘they won them on the park’ line when asked about the subject but alongwith Tom Boyd, O’Dea has spoken out like a Celtic supporter.
Seeing 50% of your wages going to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs while opponents paid a token 20% of their income to the state while picking up medals and trophies couldn’t have been easy for O’Dea.
Standing his ground after signing for Dundee he explained why he spoke out about a subject that the football authorities would rather not get involved with.
“The majority of players go through the motions and detach themselves from the media,” O’Dea said. “But if I’m asked a question I’ll answer it and I give my opinion.
“It’s one man’s opinion. In Glasgow you get many opinions – well, in fact, you normally get two.
“Listen, I’ve grown up since I was 15 here and have seen it all. I have the utmost respect for everyone in Scotland – players and clubs.
“I was on one side of the divide. I didn’t make the divide but I’m on that side. It’s not my fault.
“Everyone has opinions in Scotland and they’re normally strong ones which is a good thing. I have a strong opinion as well and I’m entitled to it as is everyone else.”
O’Dea signed a short term deal for Dundee yesterday and could make his debut in the Scottish Cup tie against Falkirk.
Good on you Darren !
HH