Cyriel Dessers ‘absolutely spewing’ after Rangers controversy v Fenerbahce
Cyriel Dessers is certainly a spectacular player in terms of entertainment for Rangers, whatever the view on him as a striker.
The 30-year-old netted a vital early goal in Istanbul as Rangers beat Fenerbahce 3-1 in the first leg of the Europa League last 16 tie.
But he could easily have had a hat-trick if not for two unbelievably marginal offside calls, both of which took lengthy VAR checks to deny Dessers another to his tally.
Thompson left stunned by Dessers VAR calls
Steven Thompson, co-commentating on BBC Radio Scotland (6 March, 19:06), admitted Rangers frontman Dessers would have been “absolutely spewing” following the calls of the officials.
It now becomes three offside goals chalked off in the space of two games for the striker, who otherwise could have had five in his last two.
Luckily for Ferguson and Rangers, they were blistering on the break against a brittle defence uncharacteristic of a Jose Mourinho side, as Vaclav Cerny bagged twice on top of Dessers’ early opener.
“Oh my God. What are the chances?!”, Thompson said.
“They’re going to be absolutely huge, and they’re both so, so marginal.
“You’re talking inches that he’s off. [Dessers] must be absolutely spewing out there.”
Rangers have to finish the job in Glasgow
Rangers know they now have 90 minutes separating them from an enticing Europa League quarter-final.
But they must remain disciplined, not sit too deep and invite pressure, and not shoot themselves in the foot at Ibrox with any daft errors.
The fans will be roaring behind them throughout, as Mourinho returns to the UK with a vengeance and his array of experienced attacking talent.
| Date | Teams beaten by Rangers in Europa League 2024-25 |
| 26 September | Malmo 0-2 Rangers |
| 24 October | Rangers 4-0 FCSB |
| 28 November | Nice 1-4 Rangers |
| 30 January | Rangers 2-1 Union Saint-Gilloise |
| 6 March | Fenerbahce 1-3 Rangers |
Fener will be intent on scoring first, at which point the tie would almost see parity restored, but Gers could sense key opportunities on the counter just like on Thursday night.
The road to Bilbao could take Rangers to the final’s host city early, too, as passage beyond Mourinho’s men would set up a tie with Athletic Club or alternatively the Fener manager’s former side Roma.