Rangers manager Philippe Clement and Hamza Igamane. (Credit: Imago)

Philippe Clement raging about new Hamza Igamane development at Rangers

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

01 Oct 2024, 2:40 am

Philippe Clement was "furious" after Rangers forward Hamza Igamane was unavailable to face Malmo on Thursday (26 September), Darrell Currie has said.

The Gers travelled to Sweden for their opening Europa League tie, bringing home a comfortable 2-0 victory, though the 21-year-old striker was nowhere to be seen.

According to Four Lads Had A Dream [26 September], the Moroccan international was unable to join his teammates due to issues with his documentation before flying to Sweden.

Speaking via The Scottish Football Social Club [30 September], Currie said: "Hamza Igamane started [v Hibs] but he obviously couldn't play in Sweden because they didn't sort out a visa in time.

"Philippe Clement was furious about that and no wonder because he can't afford to lose more players."

Philippe Clement furious after Hamza Igamane drama at Rangers

Ultimately, the situation was not vitally important as the Gers claimed all three points in their opening European tie without Igamane, but it was certainly frustrating.

Clement and his team could have been training all week with Igamane set to start, so a last-minute change to Cyriel Dessers upfront could have changed everything for the Gers.

That was not the case, though Dessers did receive some criticism for his performance. The whole situation has still raised more questions than it has answered, too.

Rangers Review journalist Derek Clark shared information surrounding a "Schengen visa" that Moroccan internationals must apply for before travelling to Sweden, though the allotted time was more than enough for the Gers to get this sorted.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement

While the club can put the situation behind them now, with the 21-year-old being given his first start against Hibernian on Sunday 29 September, fans will hope a similar situation does not arise again.

The Gers will want to make good progress in the Europa League, especially after being knocked out of Champions League qualifying, and Clement will need as many of his players available to do so.

In other Rangers news, Philippe Clement may axe an "unbelievable" ace v Lyon in a harsh call.

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Philippe Clement

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