RANGERS FANS TURNS ON UNTHINKABLE PLAYER FOLLOWING DRAW AGAINST DUNDEE UNITED AFTER SPOTTING MAJOR ISSUES

The final whistle at Tannadice, following Rangers’ hard-fought 2-2 draw with Dundee United, was met not with relief for the last-gasp equalizer, but with a torrent of boos and visible anger from the travelling support. While manager Danny Röhl spoke of improved chance creation, the fury amongst the faithful quickly focused on James Tavernier, whose performance issues, coupled with his stature as captain, made him the symbol of the team’s deeper issues. While Tavernier often contributes goals and assists, fans highlighted a series of uncharacteristic errors in his defensive duties against United, particularly moments where his positioning allowed the opposition vital space down the flanks. He was specifically singled out for criticism after being replaced by Max Aarons late in the game, an uncommon substitution which suggested even the manager recognized the need for change. The fan backlash isn’t solely about the single player, however. It stems from the deeper structural and psychological issues the result exposed. Despite Rangers generating an abundance of attacking opportunities, with an xG figure suggesting they created enough chances to win “four games” according to analysis, their defensive structure and confidence crumbled after conceding, reverting to a “soft centre” that has plagued them all season. The fact that the late equalizer had to be taken by Nedim Bajrami—with Tavernier already off the pitch—only exacerbated the narrative that the captain, despite his goals, is often viewed as central to the Mentality Meltdown when things turn sour. Supporters are viewing the result as evidence of a systemic failure that lacks the necessary “steel” and consistency required for Ibrox. The draw leaves Rangers further adrift from the top of the table. For the supporters who braved the trip, the issue is no longer just dropped points, but the apparent fragility of a team that can’t turn dominance into decisive victories. The boos at full-time were a clear and painful message that patience is wearing thin, with the captain bearing the brunt of the frustration.