Credit: Imago and BBC Sportscene

Daniel Lewis

Thu 14 May 2026 7:40, UK

Rangers captain James Tavernier’s Ibrox send-off did not go to plan on Wednesday.

The long-serving skipper was left out of the matchday squad, with Danny Rohl now explaining exactly why.

Tavernier was not fully fit and was informed he would be given minutes as a substitute, rather than a starter.

That led to a disagreement and the 34-year-old’s send-off was watered down to a short ceremony prior to the Gers’ 2-1 loss to Hibernian.

Further ignominy was to follow for Tavernier, too, on a day to forget not just for the full-back but also for Rangers.

Martin Boyle appears to mock James Tavernier with celebration

Tavernier was clearly emotional as he was handed a silver trophy on the Ibrox pitch by John Greig ahead of the game.

The Englishman was given a strong reception by those inside the ground, but the fact he did not get to play is simply not on – regardless of the reason behind it.

With many still speculating the reasons behind the snub, Martin Boyle put Hibs ahead early on at a subdued Ibrox.

Boyle mimicked Tavernier’s golf swing celebration, with the defender no doubt watching on from the stands with his family.

Giving his thoughts on that celebration on BBC Sportscene, Brown joked: “His celebration there is lovely.”

When told it was likely copying Tavernier’s, Brown joked: “That’s what’s that was? I was just thinking he’s a good golfer.”

Given how little was on the line for Rangers in this contest, Tavernier’s snub and Boyle’s subsequent celebration were the big talking points to come out of the game.

Tavernier makes ‘surprising’ U-turn at Ibrox

Reports prior to kick-off suggested Tavernier would be staying away from the ground after not being named as part of the squad.

However, The Scottish Sun report that Tavernier made a “surprising” U-turn and headed back to the stadium to come out onto the field with Grieg.

It goes without saying this is a sad, sad end to what has been – even if some will say otherwise – a legendary Rangers career for Tavernier.

The only silver lining is that he is due to have a testimonial at some point, with that hopefully used as his proper send-off after more than a decade of service.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.