SHOTA FIGHTS FOR HOMELAND

Former Rangers striker reveals he could not watch demos in his beloved country from the sidelines

- MARK MCGIVERN

RANGERS hero Shota Arveladze has been caught up in violent protests in his homeland after insisting he had to join his countrymen.

The former player, who won five major trophies with Rangers, is a national icon in Georgia and an influential public figure.

The striker, regarded as the nation's best-ever player, took to the streets as unrest in the country grew over civil rights concerns and its government moving closer to Russia and further from the EU.

Arveladze is angry at Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's decision to delay joining the EU for another three years, which has escalated into serious disorder after four nights of violence in the capital Tbilisi.

Arveladze said: "When I saw what was happening, I couldn't imagine not joining the people and protesting.

"What is happening here is terrible. There are people here who are supposed to protect you deliberately injuring the sick and needy.