Rangers star Brandon Barker caught up in fire drama at loan club Oxford
BRANDON BARKER was caught up in a fire drama during Oxford’s weekend win against Wigan.
The on loan Rangers winger saw the Kassam Stadium - which has been used as a vaccine hub - evacuated at half-time of Sunday’s 2-1 victory due to a blaze inside the stadium.
The game had initially been pushed back 24 hours due to a frozen pitch before an hour’s delay to allow it to properly thaw out, with the fire also pushing back the restart.
Oxford boss Karl Robinson revealed the players could smell the burning flames during his half-time team-talk before being ushered to safety.
He said: “It was a mental 40 minutes, another chapter in this season.
“It’s just another challenge and we embrace it.
“We could smell it in the dressing room at half-time.
“The big worry for me was the 8,000 vaccinations within the building. That was far more important than a game of football
“It’s a great day that the vaccinations can still be carried out and we got three points, it’s a good day for Oxford.
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“Half time was very different but what we did to get the game on, and what Wigan did, was outstanding.
“I have never spoken to firemen at half time before and I apologise to the fans if we have ruined their romantic Valentine’s Day plans!”
On the pitch former Motherwell loanee Callum Lang fired Wigan ahead before Barker set up the equaliser.
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The U’s went on to notch the winner with seven minutes left, with ex-Gers frontman Joe Dodoo seeing his effort for Wigan blocked late on.
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That's the stark warning issued by footie finance guru Kieran Maguire.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page