James Tavernier ‘Negligence’ called out as Rangers crash out of Europa League
Rangers fell to a 2-0 defeat in San Mames as they crashed out of Europe against Athletic Bilbao, in a frustrating but unlucky display.
Cyriel Dessers was denied a penalty in the first half, but Rangers could not create many clear-cut opportunities against a stubborn Athletic Club defence.
John Souttar gave away a penalty at the end of the first half which was converted by Oihan Sancet, before Nico Williams added a second to kill the game off.
Rangers captain James Tavernier endured a tough evening, and he has now been criticised for his role in one of the goals.
Tavernier slammed after Williams goal v Rangers
Williams scored the second as he nodded in from a whipped cross by Oscar De Marcos, but Tavernier has been slammed for not doing more to prevent it.
The ball was crossed from deep, and Williams ghosted in behind Tavernier to head home, with the winger unopposed as the defender failed to track his run.
| Stat | James Tavernier |
| Appearances | 508 |
| Goals | 130 |
| Assists | 141 |
Broadcaster Graham Spiers has now highlighted Tavernier’s defensive vulnerability and blamed him for the goal.
“The criticism that has been cast at James Tavernier all his career – defensive negligence – strikes again,” he posted on X after the goal.
Tavernier struggles in Europa League exit
For years, Tavernier was the subject of criticism over his defensive lapses in concentration, and this has now come back to haunt Rangers again.
The Englishman struggled throughout the game, with Williams terrorising him with his speed and trickery, and the end result was that the Spain international had the last laugh.
Rangers were outplayed by Athletic Club, even if they were unlucky, but Tavernier was one of the poorer performers and could certainly have done more to prevent the second strike.
Tavernier has been a good servant for Rangers over the years despite his defensive weaknesses, with an astonishing 130 goals and 141 assists from right back, but many may now feel that an option more comfortable in defensive situations could be preferable going forward.
It feels like this summer could bring huge changes in Govan.