James Tavernier shielded by Rangers security staff after angry exchange with fan following derby defeat to... (original) (raw)
JAMES TAVERNIER had to be shielded by Ibrox security staff after an angry exchange of words with a raging Rangers fan.
A number of supporters made their way to the stadium after the team’s 3-0 derby defeat at Celtic Park that leave them already five points behind the league leaders in fourth place.
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The supporter hurls abuse at James Tavernier who appears to respond
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Rangers and their skipper endured another nightmare afternoon at Celtic ParkCredit: PA
Manager Philippe Clement and defender Leon Balogun both tried to appease the mob, many of whom were clearly fizzing with both the performance and the lack of investment in the team.
One supporter waited behind to target Tavernier in particular – and served him with a volley of abuse.
Footage shared widely on social media shows the individual shouting at the Rangers players as they emerged from a side door at the stadium and prepared to head onto a team coach.
The man screamed that it had been “f*****g embarrassing” before asking, “where the f*** is the captain? Where are you, Tav?”
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And when the club captain appeared the man stepped closer to him and continued with his foul-mouthed diatribe, telling Tavernier to “do us a favour and f*** off. You’re nothing but a loser”.
The defender could be seen to argue back with the man although what he said wasn’t loud enough to be picked up in the footage.
A member of the Rangers security team shepherded Tavernier and the other players onto the coach and another made sure the angry supporter couldn’t get any closer.
The incident sparked a mixed reaction from other fans.
One wrote on X: “That boy calling out Tav for being a f***** loser was absolutely spot on.
“Folk saying it’s embarrassing but will happily call them all sorts online.
Rangers star Leon Balogun faces fan fury after Celtic defeat as defender applauded by fans for being the 'only one'
“That boy told him exactly how we all feel.
“This team needs to know we’re no happy and complaining online won’t make that happen.
“That was the most embarrassing performance by a Rangers captain I think I’ve ever seen.”
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But another supporter disagreed, writing: “What type of support are we if we start to condone our own players being abused in public?
“There are far better ways to direct your frustration than that. Protests, boycotts even booing is better than that s***.
“It’s acting like he isn’t aware of how bad things are which is ridiculous.
“Tavernier is not to blame for years of board failure. He’s unfairly the lightning rod for it.”
Gers boss Clement was also confronted by furious fans and tried to defend his team's performance.
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Ibrox defender Leon Balogun also stopped to speak to raging supporters and earned some praise for refusing to ignore the punters who had hung around to air their frustrations.
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