Hugh Keevins details why James Tavernier becomes Rangers fans’ ‘whipping boy’ when things go wrong at Ibrox
James Tavernier becomes the Rangers fans’ “whipping boy” when things go wrong at Ibrox, according to Hugh Keevins.
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on Friday (12 January), the Daily Record journalist noted how the supporters gave the Gers captain “dogs abuse” when he went around the pitch after the 3-1 defeat to Aberdeen on 30 September, the final game of Michael Beale’s tenure in charge.
He said the 32-year-old becomes the “immediate scapegoat” when anything negative happens to the Light Blues, but that he is then seen as the “top man” when things are going well at the club.
“I go back to the game that cost Michael Beale his job, the Aberdeen game at Ibrox,” said Keevins. “I have this mental image of Tavernier going around the park and he’s apologising to the Rangers fans and they are giving him dogs abuse.
“But at least he fronted up and he went to the fans. I have the impression that Tavernier becomes the immediate scapegoat and whipping boy when anything happens to Rangers of a negative nature.
“And then when times are better, by that I mean Michael Beale left and Philippe Clement comes in, when times are better people appreciate what Tavernier does. He’s the whipping boy if anything is wrong and he’s the top man if it’s going well.”
Splits opinion
There is no doubt that Tavernier splits the opinion amongst the Rangers fans, but you can’t really question the impact he’s had on the club over the past few years.
While there are sometimes question marks over his defending, he offers so much going forward and has scored some huge goals for the club.
The right-back continues to be one of the Gers’ best attacking outlets, having registered 16 goals and six assists in 33 appearances this season.
But the Englishman is the club captain and often ends up on the wrong end of any criticism when things aren’t going well for the Light Blues and the side aren’t performing to the best of their abilities.
Although some people may not think it now, they will probably miss him when he eventually decides to move on after spending the past nine years at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, an overseas journalist has made a “serious” admission about an exit-linked Gers player.