Scott Arfield reacts to Cyriel Dessers controversy at Rangers on BBC
Rangers are on cloud nine after a terrific 3-1 first leg win at Fenerbahce in the Europa League round of 16.
Vaclav Cerny’s double puts Rangers into a commanding lead heading back to Ibrox next Thursday (13 March), with Cyriel Dessers continuing his own excellent scoring run under Barry Ferguson.
But Dessers could easily have had a hat-trick on another night, as he was denied two second-half goals by the closest of VAR checks for offside.
Arfield agrees with decision on Dessers
Former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield, co-commentating on BBC Radio Scotland (6 March), was among those to weigh in on the decisions to double-whammy Dessers.
The Nigerian striker added his 22nd of the season early on in Istanbul – levelling his tally from last season – but twice saw decisions tilt out of his and the Light Blues’ favour.
Dessers was also denied another goal against Motherwell at Ibrox due to a controversial offside decision involving strike partner Danilo on Saturday (1 March).
“He’s having the game of his life, Cyriel Dessers,” Arfield said during the second half, with Gers leading 2-1 at the time before Cerny added a third.
“But what I will say is, it’s two correct decisions. It’s there for a reason, they’ve been chalked off because he went a little too early.
“My goodness, he just needs to keep doing this because he’s got the beating of the centre-halves. Rangers have been fantastic this second half, [Mohamed] Diomande in particular for the two offside goals.”
Rangers ready to see out the tie
Rangers now have a week to prepare for the second leg, though would probably want it to come a lot sooner given the momentum with which they attacked on Thursday evening.
Jose Mourinho and his team were left shellshocked to the point Mourinho admitted the 3-1 first-leg defeat was a “good result”, given his side’s performance.
Fener were wide open at the back despite creating chances, Rangers withstanding most of the pressure as they sat deep and penetrated their hosts on the break.
| Rangers – top goalscorers 2024-25 | Goals |
| Cyriel Dessers | 22 |
| Vaclav Cerny | 17 |
| Hamza Igamane | 13 |
| Danilo | 6 |
Rangers can effectively end the tie by scoring first next week and while stranger things have happened, can be heavily backed to complete the mission with the backing of the support inside Ibrox.
Should Ferguson’s men see next week go to plan, it will be a straight switch of focus to the Old Firm at Celtic Park (16 March), with either Athletic Club (Bilbao) or Roma lying in wait in the last eight.