Steven Thompson blasts ‘Embarrassing’ footage he saw in Rangers v Fenerbahce
Rangers are through to the quarter finals of the Europa League, but Mohamed Diomande will miss the first leg against Athletic Bilbao.
Sebastian Szymanski scored in either half to level the tie at Ibrox, with the aggregate stuck at 3-3 before the Bears stormed through the penalty shootout.
Ianis Hagi was the only taker to miss his spot-kick, with Jack Butland pulling off two saves in a huge night of redemption for the goalkeeper.
Bilbao come to Ibrox in the first leg, before the return leg in Spain.
Thompson fuming after Diomande moment
Although Rangers were much more even in the game than they had been in the first leg of the tie, there was almost disaster for Barry Ferguson’s side.
Not only did the Scottish Premiership side go behind at the end of the first half, but the referee also booked Diomande for a soft foul.
The referee was card-heavy with Cyriel Dessers, Leon Balogun, John Souttar and Dujon Sterling also receiving bookings in the first half alone.
| Booked Rangers players v Fenerbahce |
| Leon Balogun |
| John Souttar |
| Dujon Sterling |
| Mohamed Diomande |
| Cyriel Dessers |
| Ianis Hagi |
| Ridvan Yilmaz |
Although Rangers have made it through, Diomande is now unavailable for Ferguson to select in the next game against Athletic Bilbao.
Steven Thompson was fuming live on BBC Sportsound commentary (13 March, 8:48 pm), saying: “That was an embarrassing decision. Embarrassing.”
Rangers progress in the Europa League
It has been a difficult season for Rangers and with the Europa League the only thing left to play for this term, the evening at Ibrox was one of the biggest occasions.
Rangers were dominated in the away tie last Thursday, but they were sensational in attack and came away with a deserved 3-1 victory.
It was not the calmest of evenings in the return leg, with that cutting edge completely disappearing in the final third, and now Diomande and John Souttar will miss out through suspension.
There is still a way to go in Europe but it keeps the Gers’ season alive. For now, though, attentions have to return to domestic football with an Old Firm Derby taking place on Sunday (16 March).
Ferguson will be hoping that his side aren’t completely exhausted after playing 120 minutes on Thursday, as well as taking on a penalty shootout.