Philippe Clement must punish Todd Cantwell and axe Rangers star v Aris after disgraceful footage
Philippe Clement should take action against Todd Cantwell by leaving the attacking midfielder out the Rangers XI to face Aris Limassol.
The 25-year-old disgraced himself by throwing himself to the ground in an attempt to win a penalty in the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at the weekend.
Footage of the play-acting was shared widely on social media, dragging down the club’s name in the process, with Chris Sutton among those to laugh at the incident.
Neil Lennon described it as “really, really horrendous”, while Tab McManus called for Cantwell to serve a ban for “cheating” [PLZ Soccer].
Cantwell will no doubt be embarassed by his actions, and Clement could further his misery by naming him among the substitutes against Aris.
It is a massive game at Ibrox on Thursday night (30 November) as Rangers look to stay on course to reach the Europa League knockouts.
Even aside from his shocking antics, Cantwell has not done enough to justify a regular starting spot for the Gers this season.
The Englishman has just two direct goal involvements to his name in 16 appearances, while he has three times as many yellow cards (six).
Cantwell’s 0.18 goals and assists per 90 minutes this season, as per FBref, is way down on the 0.70 he registered in the league last season.
Until the former Norwich City ace can regain those previous levels, he cannot feel hard done by when left out by Clement.
Whether it based on his ability or controversial antics, Clement has every right to drop Cantwell for the crunch clash with Aris.
In other Rangers news, a former figure high up at Ibrox has opened up on his “very nasty” exit from the club.