Danny Rohl sends a message to Hearts and Celtic over title race, referencing fan banner and criticizing penalty call.

Danny Rohl insists title race is still alive after setback

Rangers manager Danny Rohl has made it clear that he is not giving up on the title race, even after his team suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat at home to Motherwell on Sunday.

Rohl watched his side recover from a two-goal deficit in the second half, with strikes from Youssef Chermiti and Nico Raskin bringing them level. However, their comeback was undone in the final moments when a shot from Emmanuel Longelo took a heavy deflection off Emmanuel Fernandez, ultimately handing Motherwell a late winner at Ibrox.

Late blow dents Rangers’ position but belief remains

The defeat leaves Rangers sitting third in the table with just four matches remaining in the season. Despite this setback, Rohl remains adamant that the title race is far from decided and believes his team can still mount a successful push in the weeks ahead.

Speaking after the match, he acknowledged his disappointment but emphasized that there are still opportunities to turn things around. He pointed to the second-half performance as evidence that his team has the quality to compete, suggesting they could have scored more goals and even won the game convincingly despite their struggles earlier on.

Rohl highlighted how his tactical changes after the break had a significant effect, allowing Rangers to create numerous chances. He admitted the first half was below expectations but stressed that football can be unpredictable, which is part of what makes the sport both frustrating and exciting.

Fans’ message inspires continued fight

The Rangers boss also referenced a message from the supporters as a source of motivation. A banner displayed by fans carried the slogan “Keep Believing,” something Rohl feels perfectly captures the mindset needed at this stage of the campaign.

He believes maintaining that belief is crucial, especially with four matches left to play, each of which he described as a final. According to Rohl, his squad must carry that same energy and determination into the remaining fixtures if they are to stay in contention.

Defensive issues and missed chances highlighted

While there were positives in the attacking play, Rohl admitted that defensive shortcomings played a key role in the defeat. He pointed out that his side lacked aggression and organisation in the first half, particularly when defending higher up the pitch.

This allowed Motherwell to exploit spaces and create overloads in central areas, something Rangers struggled to deal with effectively. He also noted that his team’s defensive line was too slow to push forward and close down opponents, making it easier for the visitors to threaten.

Rohl stressed the importance of keeping clean sheets, explaining that conceding goals regularly makes it far more difficult to win matches. He acknowledged that his side has been letting in different types of goals, rather than one consistent issue, which adds to the challenge of addressing the problem.

He specifically expressed frustration with the first and third goals conceded, both of which came from transition moments. In the closing stages, Rangers took risks in an attempt to secure a winner, but that gamble ultimately left them vulnerable to a quick counterattack that led to the decisive goal.

Penalty controversy adds to frustration

Adding to his frustration, Rohl criticised referee Kevin Clancy for not awarding a penalty when Djeidi Gassama was brought down near the edge of the box.

The official instead gave a free-kick, and VAR chose not to intervene, a decision Rohl strongly disagreed with. He argued that the foul occurred on the line, which would mean it should have been given as a penalty, insisting that a review would confirm his view.

Despite his disagreement with the decision, Rohl avoided using it as an excuse for the defeat. He maintained that his team had enough chances to win the game regardless and should have taken them.

Focus shifts to final push

Looking ahead, Rohl remains optimistic about his team’s chances. He pointed to the number of opportunities created, particularly one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper, as a sign that Rangers are capable of producing strong performances.

He also spoke positively about the impact of substitutions and the depth within his squad, suggesting that adjustments can still be made to improve results in the final stretch.

Ultimately, Rohl believes there is enough quality, determination, and belief within the team to keep their title hopes alive. With four crucial matches remaining, he is confident that Rangers can still steer their season in a positive direction and challenge rivals Celtic and Hearts for the championship.

Rangers release statement regarding the lockout at Celtic Park ahead of an important derby match

Rangers FC have released an official statement following confirmation that their supporters are currently set to be excluded from the upcoming post-split derby clash against Celtic FC at Celtic Park.

The fixture, scheduled for Sunday, May 10, is one of the most significant matches of the Scottish Premiership run-in. However, as things stand, there will be no allocation for away fans, meaning Rangers supporters will not be present inside the stadium for the encounter.

Celtic’s stance is understood to be linked to a request they made for assurances that no members of the Union Bears supporters group would receive tickets for the match. The Union Bears have been associated with previous incidents, and Celtic are believed to have sought guarantees as part of broader safety concerns surrounding the fixture.

Rangers, however, have reacted strongly to these conditions. The club is said to be deeply frustrated by the situation and has been weighing up its options in response to Celtic’s decision. That frustration has now been made public through a formal statement addressing the issue.

In the statement, Rangers explained that they had been informed by Celtic that no tickets would be provided to away supporters unless Rangers agreed not to distribute tickets to individuals connected with the Union Bears. Rangers made it clear that they have firmly rejected these terms.

The club confirmed that it has escalated the matter to the Scottish Professional Football League Board, requesting that the governing body intervene and make a determination on the dispute.

Rangers emphasized their commitment to safety at football matches, stating that they have consistently condemned the actions of certain individuals involved in incidents on March 8. They reiterated that they have been working to address any concerns and have engaged in discussions with Celtic in an effort to find solutions that would ensure the safety and smooth running of the upcoming game.

Despite these efforts, Rangers argue that removing away supporters from such a high-profile fixture would create what they described as a “clear and material sporting imbalance.” They believe that the absence of one set of fans could have a direct impact on the competitive integrity of the match, particularly at such a crucial stage of the season.

The club also warned that allowing this situation to stand could set a precedent with potentially far-reaching consequences for Scottish football. They suggested that if one club is able to exclude away supporters under these circumstances, it could influence how similar fixtures are handled in the future.

Rangers highlighted the importance of the Old Firm derby as one of the defining fixtures of the competition. They argued that matches of this magnitude should serve as showcase events, demonstrating the best aspects of Scottish football both on and off the pitch.

In their view, the upcoming clash represents an opportunity for the sport to respond positively to recent challenges and to rebuild confidence in how high-risk matches are organized and managed. Ensuring that both sets of supporters are present, they believe, is a key part of achieving that goal.

The statement also stressed that the club wants what fans on both sides expect: a contest that is decided purely by what happens on the field, rather than being influenced by off-field factors such as ticketing disputes or restrictions on attendance.

Rangers concluded by calling on the SPFL Board to act in order to protect the integrity of the competition. They urged the governing body to enforce the relevant rules and ensure that any existing agreements between the two clubs regarding ticket allocations are upheld.

As the situation develops, the final decision now rests with the SPFL, which will need to consider the arguments presented by both sides before reaching a conclusion. Until then, uncertainty remains over whether Rangers supporters will be able to attend one of the most anticipated matches of the season.

SPFL releases a statement following Celtic’s decision to withhold away tickets for the upcoming Old Firm match

Scottish Professional Football League has issued a response following Celtic FC’s decision to withhold away tickets for the upcoming Old Firm clash against Rangers FC at Parkhead.

As it stands, the post-split Premiership fixture scheduled for May 10 will take place without any Rangers supporters present in the stadium. Celtic have opted not to provide an away allocation for the match, a move that follows incidents which occurred after last month’s derby at Ibrox.

The consequence of this decision is that visiting fans from Rangers will not be in attendance for one of the most high-profile fixtures of the Scottish season. The absence of away supporters has added further tension to an already intense rivalry.

Both clubs have since addressed the matter publicly, leading the SPFL to release an official statement clarifying its position and outlining the next steps in the process. The governing body confirmed that it has now been formally approached to intervene.

In its statement, the SPFL explained that it had received a request from Rangers seeking a determination regarding the arrangements for the upcoming league match away to Celtic. The fixture, part of the William Hill Premiership schedule, is set to take place on Sunday, May 10.

The league body noted that this request came after attempts by the two clubs to resolve the issue through discussions failed to produce an agreement. Talks between Celtic and Rangers over ticket allocations did not lead to a compromise, leaving the situation unresolved.

Celtic subsequently informed Rangers that they were not in a position to provide any tickets for visiting supporters for the match at Parkhead. This notification effectively confirmed that there would be no away section for Rangers fans at the game.

An SPFL spokesperson elaborated on the process that will now follow. According to the statement, the SPFL Board will appoint a sub-committee tasked with reviewing Rangers’ request. This group will consider the matter under the relevant league regulations, specifically Rule I27, which governs disputes of this nature.

The formation of a sub-committee indicates that the issue will be examined formally, with the governing body expected to assess whether Celtic’s decision aligns with league rules and whether any further action is required.

The situation has its roots in events that took place after the previous Old Firm meeting at Ibrox last month. Reports suggest that those incidents played a significant role in Celtic’s decision to withhold tickets for the return fixture.

Efforts were made by both clubs to find a resolution through dialogue, but those discussions ultimately broke down without an agreement being reached. As a result, Celtic proceeded with their decision and communicated it directly to Rangers.

The absence of away supporters is a notable development, given the traditional presence of fans from both sides at Old Firm matches. These fixtures are typically characterized by a strong atmosphere generated by both sets of supporters, making the lack of visiting fans particularly significant.

Rangers’ decision to escalate the matter to the SPFL reflects their dissatisfaction with the situation. By requesting a determination, they are seeking clarity on whether the decision complies with league regulations and whether any remedies are available.

The SPFL’s involvement now places the issue within a formal framework, with the appointed sub-committee expected to review all relevant details before reaching a conclusion. This process will likely consider the circumstances surrounding the decision, including safety concerns and previous incidents.

For now, the expectation remains that the match will proceed without Rangers supporters unless the SPFL determines otherwise. The timeline for any decision has not been specified, leaving some uncertainty as the fixture approaches.

This development adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming Old Firm encounter, which is already one of the most anticipated fixtures in Scottish football. The absence of away fans could have an impact on the atmosphere and overall dynamic of the match.

While Celtic have taken their stance based on recent events, Rangers’ appeal to the SPFL ensures that the issue will be examined further. The outcome of that review will be closely watched by both clubs and their supporters, as well as by the wider football community.

Ultimately, the situation highlights the challenges involved in managing high-profile fixtures with intense rivalries, particularly when off-field incidents influence decisions regarding fan attendance.

Richard Gough defends James Tavernier as he reflects on the realities of captaining Rangers FC

Richard Gough was determined to get his message across — so much so that after an initial phone conversation with Record Sport, he followed it up with a late-night text from his home on the California coast just to reinforce his point.

His message was clear and emphatic: captaining one of the Old Firm clubs is far from straightforward.

“It’s not easy being an Old Firm captain,” the former Rangers skipper insisted, drawing on his own experiences leading the club during one of its most dominant eras.

His words carry particular relevance for James Tavernier, who recently confirmed that he will leave Ibrox when his contract expires this summer. After more than a decade at the club, Tavernier’s tenure as captain has been defined by both remarkable highs and frustrating lows.

Over 11 years, the current Rangers captain has ridden the emotional rollercoaster that comes with representing one of Scotland’s biggest clubs. While there have been moments of success, much of his time has been marked by disappointment, especially when compared to the trophy-laden eras that came before him.

Gough understands that pressure better than most. During his own time at Rangers, he experienced the same intensity, the same scrutiny, and the same relentless expectations that come with the role. But there was a significant difference between his era and Tavernier’s.

Gough had the advantage of leading a squad filled with world-class talent — a luxury he believes Tavernier never truly enjoyed.

That contrast is at the heart of Gough’s defence of the outgoing captain. While some critics have questioned Tavernier’s credentials based on the relatively small number of trophies he has won, Gough insists that such judgments fail to take into account the broader context.

“James arrived at a time when the club was struggling,” Gough explained. “We were in the Championship, and for that level, he was a very good signing.”

Despite that, Tavernier quickly found himself under scrutiny, with some fans questioning whether he had the qualities required to lead the team.

Gough rejects that criticism outright. In his view, there is no single template for what makes a good captain. Leadership can take many forms, and what matters most is the respect a player commands within the dressing room.

For Gough, being a strong performer on the pitch is fundamental. A captain must lead by example, earning the trust and admiration of teammates through consistent performances.

Judging by the reaction to the news of Tavernier’s departure, Gough believes the defender has clearly achieved that level of respect within the squad.

At the same time, he acknowledges that Tavernier has faced challenges that previous Rangers captains did not have to deal with. The quality of the team around him has not matched that of earlier eras, making success harder to achieve.

Gough reflected on the strength of the squad he led during his own playing days. He recalled lining up in the tunnel and seeing some of the biggest names in football alongside him — players like Paul Gascoigne, Brian Laudrup, Terry Butcher, Ray Wilkins, Ally McCoist, and Mark Hateley.

He also pointed to the generation that followed, under Barry Ferguson, which included top-quality players such as Arthur Numan and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

By comparison, Gough believes Tavernier has not had the same level of support in terms of squad depth and star power.

He also highlighted the unique pressures that come from the Rangers fanbase. While he described the supporters as the club’s greatest asset, he admitted they can also be incredibly demanding, especially when results are not going well.

That intensity can make life extremely difficult for a captain, particularly if the team is not performing at a consistently high level.

Gough noted that many critics focus heavily on the number of trophies Tavernier has won. While the total is modest compared to previous captains, Gough believes it reflects the circumstances rather than the player’s ability.

For much of Tavernier’s time at Rangers, the club has been competing against a dominant Celtic FC side, which has made silverware harder to come by.

As a fellow captain, Gough made a point of offering support to Tavernier whenever he visited the club. He let him know that he was available to talk if needed.

However, Tavernier never felt the need to reach out. According to Gough, that speaks volumes about his character and ability to handle the demands of the role.

In Gough’s eyes, Tavernier has done an excellent job as Rangers captain over the past 11 years.

While he acknowledged that the number of trophies won — around three — falls short of expectations, he emphasized that success in football is rarely down to one individual. Instead, it reflects the overall quality of the team.

Gough contrasted this with his own career, during which he won 18 trophies as part of a dominant Rangers side. He credits that success not only to his own performances but also to the strength and character of the players around him.

That, he believes, is the key difference between the two eras.

One area where Tavernier stands out, however, is his durability and consistency. Over the course of his Rangers career, he has made more than 550 appearances and scored an astonishing 144 goals — an extraordinary return for a defender.

In fact, that goal tally has made him the highest-scoring defender in British football history.

Despite those achievements, team success has been relatively limited, with only one Premiership title and a couple of domestic cup wins to show for his efforts.

This raises an interesting question: how would Tavernier have fared if he had played during one of Rangers’ golden eras?

Gough was asked whether Tavernier would have made it into his own team. His response was thoughtful.

He pointed out that his side had Gary Stevens at right-back — an England international with 46 caps — which made competition for places extremely tough.

While he was unsure whether Tavernier would have been a guaranteed starter, Gough had no doubt that he would have been a valuable member of the squad.

He even suggested that Tavernier’s attacking qualities would have made him particularly effective in a wing-back role, especially in a system that used three central defenders.

Criticism of Tavernier’s defensive abilities has been a recurring theme throughout his career. However, Gough believes that his attacking contributions more than compensate for any perceived weaknesses.

A defender capable of scoring 20 goals in a season is a rare asset, and Gough argues that any team would benefit from such output.

He also emphasized that longevity at a club like Rangers is a strong indicator of quality. Players do not make hundreds of appearances for a club of that stature without possessing significant ability.

Another aspect that impressed Gough was Tavernier’s availability. Injuries have rarely sidelined him, allowing him to maintain a consistent presence in the team.

Gough compared this to his own record, noting that he made 428 appearances over 11 years. Tavernier, in a similar timeframe, has exceeded 560 appearances — a remarkable level of consistency.

While he acknowledged that modern players participate in more European matches, he still viewed Tavernier’s durability as a testament to his professionalism and fitness.

Although Tavernier may not have matched Gough’s trophy haul, he has achieved milestones that place him in elite company.

One such moment came in 2022, when he captained Rangers in the Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville. By doing so, he joined a select group of players — including Eric Caldow, John Greig, and Barry Ferguson — who have led the club in a European final.

Unfortunately, that match ended in disappointment, with Rangers losing on penalties after coming close to victory.

Gough, who attended the game, described it as a fantastic occasion despite the result. He acknowledged that winning the trophy would have been a defining achievement for Tavernier and the team.

As Tavernier approaches the end of his time at Rangers, there is still one final opportunity for success.

Alongside manager Danny Rohl, he will aim to guide the team to a league title, competing against rivals including Heart of Midlothian FC and Celtic.

Despite a turbulent start to the season under Russell Martin, Rangers have managed to stay in contention, setting up a potentially dramatic conclusion to the campaign.

Gough believes that winning the title would be a fitting way for Tavernier to end his Rangers career.

With five games remaining, the equation is simple: win them all, and the title could be theirs.

For Gough, such an outcome would not only be significant for the club but also deeply meaningful for Tavernier, providing him with the kind of send-off his commitment and service deserve