Ally McCoist explodes at ‘Ridiculous’ Rangers controversy v Fenerbahce
Rangers gave an excellent account of themselves against Fenerbahce, though they may leave Istanbul slightly frustrated after one incident in the second half that left Ally McCoist fuming.
Given the lack of success achievable domestically now, Rangers will be fully aware of the need to perform in Europe, and they managed just that in Istanbul, securing an impressive 3-1 win.
Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring for Rangers, before playing a crucial role in the second one after a neat passage of play in the build-up to Vaclav Cerny’s first goal.
The Czech international grabbed his second of the game towards the latter stages of the clash, ensuring that Rangers have the advantage ahead of the return clash at Ibrox.
The Turkish giants struggled to contain the threat posed by the Light Blues for the majority of the clash, and after one particular incident in the second half, they can count themselves lucky to have not been on the receiving end of even more damage.
Dessers incident leaves McCoist in disgust
Dessers has had an excellent campaign for Rangers, and he was able to replicate that form once again in the Europa League against Jose Mourinho’s side.
The Gers forward found the back of the net three times in the clash, though only one stood, with the other two ruled out for offside in incredibly tight margins.
| Rangers | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Cyriel Dessers | 43 | 21 | 5 |
However, the decision to disallow the first of those two left McCoist fuming when commentating via TNT Sports (6 March, 7:04pm).
He said: “Ridiculous that [decision to disallow the goal]. Have they given that as offside for his left arm? Maybe.”
Given his performance on the night, Dessers will be questioning what more he needed to do in the game, though thankfully it had little impact in the end with the Light Blues coming away victorious.
Rangers make Europa League statement in Istanbul
Quite frankly, if Rangers were able to replicate that type of performance domestically, this season would have had a very different feel to it.
The Light Blues have looked like a completely different side away from Scottish football, while at times looking completely hopeless within it.
Neverthless, Rangers have a real chance of progressing through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League with the second leg to be played at Ibrox.
It will be a huge task for Barry Ferguon’s side to go all the way this season, but based on their showing against Fenerbahce, they certainly have the ability and the quality to do just that.