James Tavernier ‘should be ashamed’ over ‘unacceptable’ Rangers comment
Rangers fans will be sick of hearing the same excuses from James Tavernier after what he said in the wake of the shock loss to Queen’s Park.
Tavernier’s injury-time penalty being saved by Callum Ferrie spurned the Gers’ last chance to salvage something in Sunday’s 1-0 loss at Ibrox; the full-time whistle consigning Rangers to an unacceptable defeat.
The 33-year-old was far from the only Rangers player to completely wilt against their second-tier opposition, but as captain, Tavernier was responsible for justifying his side’s display after the match.
It’s a result that leaves Philippe Clement on the brink of the sack, but as part of a squad which display the same shortcomings over and over again, Tavernier and his team-mates shouldn’t be let off lightly.
James Tavernier excuses won’t wash for Rangers fans
In quotes reported by The Daily Record (10 February), Tavernier said: “It’s unacceptable. We can’t be losing at home.
“I’ve got to do better with the penalty but we will have to take accountability, everybody. It’s just unacceptable, it’s as simple as that.
“Being a Rangers player comes with expectations and you have to deliver. If you don’t, then rightly so you will hit the brunt of the fans. That’s exactly what they deserved today.”
Rangers fans ready to see mass changes after Tavernier comments
Doing the exact same things and expecting different results is said to be the definition of insanity, and in Tavernier and Rangers’ case, saying the same things in post-match interviews doesn’t help much either.
It’s not the first time this season the Bears have been blunt in front of goal and passive all over the pitch, but their strong record at Ibrox has instilled confidence, which is usually enough to get them over the line.
That confidence – and arguably luck – ran dry on Sunday, and the boos ringing around a half-empty Ibrox at full-time reflected the understandable sentiment that the current situation can’t continue.
Gers fans have long since seen Tavernier as a player whose time has passed in Govan, and while Clement could now be shown the door at any time, Tavernier’s tenure will continue until season’s end.
The veteran has been linked with several moves away from Ibrox over the past 12 months, yet with the winter transfer window having closed, the Light Blues are stuck with what they’ve got for the time being.
Clement will point to the fact that no late additions arrived before the window closed, but given the level of squad churn he’s overseen, it’s arguably the Gers’ long-term players who need to stand up the most.
That sentiment applies to Tavernier more than most, and while his penalty was the sliding doors moment in one of the club’s most embarrassing losses, it’s more so his leadership that needs to come under the microscope.
Regardless of what Tavernier says after overseeing this shambolic result, he should be ashamed today.