Barry Ferguson warns Rangers fans of bandwagons after James Tavernier statement
Barry Ferguson doesn’t want to see Rangers fans taking sides after the misunderstanding between Danny Rohl and James Tavernier.
The Gers captain released a statement after not featuring in the 2-1 loss to Hibernian at Ibrox in what would have been the right-back’s final home game before his contract expires.
Rohl informed Tavernier that he wouldn’t be starting against Hibs, leading to the drama that unfolded between the two, but Ferguson understands both sides of the story.
While the Glaswegian outfit’s icon admits the 34-year-old’s situation should have been handled with more grace, he acknowledges the German manager’s right to make decisions regarding the team.
Tavernier didn’t get the end he deserved at Ibrox and it’s now up to the Govan side to decide the best way to send him off.
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James Tavernier has already played final Rangers game
Writing in the Daily Record on 15 May, Ferguson said, “People will reach their own conclusions, but I’d be careful not to jump on any bandwagons here because Tav deserves to be treated with respect after everything he’s done at Ibrox.
“Likewise, the manager needs to feel free to make some tough decisions. People will also start asking questions about the state of the relationship between Rohl and the rest of the dressing room, and yes, it doesn’t have a great feeling right now.”
Tavernier delayed treatment on his knee to play one last time for the Gers in front of the home crowd, but it wasn’t meant to be.
| Statistics | James Tavernier |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Starts | 25 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Big chances created | 19 |
| Tackles per game | 1.7 |
| Balls recovered per game | 3.5 |
| Totals duels won per game | 4.2 (51%) |
| Successful dribbles per game | 0.6 (48%) |
Rohl has confirmed that the veteran defender won’t be available for selection for the final game of the season against Falkirk on 16 May.
The captain’s last appearance for the Light Blues will go down as the 3-1 loss to Celtic at Parkhead, where the Englishman played around before being substituted, and he certainly would have wanted to bow out in a different way.
Tavernier will go down as one of the best players in the Govan side’s history, regardless of what some sections of the fanbase feel, and his contribution in lifting number 55 will always be remembered.
Danny Rohl risks Ibrox mutiny after Ibrox disaster
Going into the post-split fixtures, Rangers were seen as the favourites to win the William Hill Premiership title, with momentum on their side.
Instead, fans in G51 have seen their team crumble under pressure, with fingers now pointed at Rohl for the team’s failures.
The 37-year-old head coach’s team selection and tactics are being questioned after four losses on the spin and his job is surely under scrutiny.
If the German manager stays and is unable to turn things around immediately at the start of the 2026-27 campaign, the toxic environment at Ibrox may be the end of him.
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