Rangers supporters slammed as ‘a disgrace’ after events at Ibrox
Rangers fans have been labelled “a disgrace” by journalist Scott McDermott after events at Ibrox on Sunday.
The Gers were on the end of one of – if not the – most embarrassing defeats in their history on 9 February as they lost 1-0 to second-tier side Queen’s Park.
Philippe Clement must live with the fact he is the first Gers manager to ever oversee a home loss to lower-league opposition in the Scottish Cup.
That has inevitably raised fresh questions over Clement’s future as Rangers boss, yet he remains in charge for the time being.
Rangers supporters make Philippe Clement feelings clear
A section of supporters were happy to make their feelings known after the match as they waited outside Ibrox to berate Clement.
While a lot of what was said cannot be repeated due to the nature of the language, it is fair to say the fans that gathered did not mince their words.
However, in the view of journalist McDermott, that small section of supporters crossed the line with their remarks.
“Clement is a good man and a good manager,” he wrote in his column for the Daily Record [12 February]. “You don’t win three league titles in Belgium – especially his Genk success – without having something about you.
“And the verbal abuse he took from furious punters as he left Ibrox on Sunday was a disgrace. Clement deserves more respect.”
What next for Philippe Clement at Rangers?
Given the radio silence behind the scenes at Ibrox, it seems as though the 50-year-old will still be Rangers manager come Sunday’s (16 February) trip to Hearts.
Ultimately, though, that game now counts for little in the grand scheme of things. Fighting for second place with three months of the season to play is quite frankly unacceptable at Rangers.
Winning the Scottish Cup, and thus denying Celtic another treble, as well as advancing to the latter stages of the Europa League, at least gave fans something to cling onto.
As it is, Rangers are now going through the motions domestically and – on the face of it, at least – absolutely nothing Clement does will get him the sack.
That is the cruel truth Gers fans must now live with, especially those who verbally abused the Belgian at Ibrox last weekend.
While they may or may not have crossed a line, there is absolutely no question that Clement has now outstayed his welcome in Glasgow.