Celtic fan called out in tangle after what he said about ‘Rotten’ Rangers
Rangers have excelled in the Europa League this season despite their struggles in domestic football, which has surprised everyone around Ibrox.
The Light Blues’ increasingly impressive run in Europe looks set to continue after they defeated Fenerbahce 3-1 in Istanbul last week.
A draw or even a one-goal defeat would do for Barry Ferguson’s side in the second leg of the round of 16, as they look to progress to the quarter-final stages of the European competition.
However, within the Scottish game, the Gers have struggled this term and sit 16 points behind bitter rivals Celtic in the race for the Premiership title.
Celtic fan left red-faced over Rangers radio claim
A Celtic fan named Stephen phoned the Clyde 1 Superscoreboard radio show on Monday and claimed that the reason why Rangers are good in Europe but bad domestically is because they are “rotten”.
Host of the show, Gordon Duncan challenged that theory: “That wouldn’t explain why they’re good in Europe though, would it?
“You can’t say Rangers are good in Europe but bad domestically because they’re rotten.
“To finish top eight in the Europa League, that’s a decent achievement, is it not? If we’re being honest.”
Celtic fan Stephen later claimed that the Gers were also punching above their weight.
This confused Duncan, who replied: “But I thought they were rotten, or are they punching above their weight?
“Which is it? I don’t get it.”
Rangers’ differing form domestically and in the Europa League is certainly something of a phenomenon, and there have even been recent claims that they need to hire a psychologist to get to the bottom of it.
The Light Blues have enjoyed some extraordinary highs this term in Europe, such as their 4-1 win over French side Nice back in November.
But back in Scotland, they have experienced some equally astonishing lows, such as last month’s Scottish Cup defeat to Championship side Queen’s Park.
Rangers should progress to the Europa League quarter-final stages
The Gers have recently suffered three successive home defeats including their aforementioned cup loss to Queen’s Park, as well as a 2-0 defeat to St Mirren which ultimately cost former boss Philippe Clement his job.
But in the Europa League, Ibrox has been a real fortress for the Light Blues, who have not lost on home turf in Europe since a 4-1 defeat to Lyon on 3 October.
Therefore, Rangers should have enough to fend off Fenerbahce and make it to the quarter-finals, where they will lock horns with either Italian giants Roma or La Liga outfit Bilbao.
Last week’s 3-1 triumph in Istanbul is a fine endorsement that Ferguson and co have what it takes to defeat Jose Mourinho’s men, while they will have home advantage on their side this Thursday.
Despite their domestic struggles, the Ibrox faithful may even now be dreaming that their side can go one further than in 2022, when they reached the Europa League final.