Rabiu AminuKris Boyd Slams Rangers Midfielder Mohamed Diomande After Disappointing Defeat to HeartsFormer Rangers striker turned Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd has launched a scathing attack on midfielder Mohamed Diomande following Rangers’ 2-1 defeat to Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle Park on December 21, 2025. The loss, which saw league leaders Hearts extend their advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership, left Boyd fuming over what he described as a “lacklustre and unacceptable” display from the Ivorian international.
The match, a crucial clash in the title race, saw Hearts dominate proceedings with goals from Stuart Findlay and captain Lawrence Shankland. Rangers managed a late consolation but never looked likely to salvage a point, ending their impressive unbeaten away run in the league throughout 2025. Danny Röhl’s side, now trailing Hearts by a significant margin, appeared disjointed in midfield, where Diomande struggled to impose himself.
Speaking post-match on Sky Sports, Boyd pulled no punches: “Mohamed Diomande was nowhere near the level required today. For a player with his talent, that performance was simply not good enough. He gave the ball away far too easily, failed to track runners, and offered nothing going forward. Rangers needed leaders in that midfield battle, and he was anonymous. It’s performances like that which cost you against a side like Hearts, who are fighting for every ball.”
Boyd, a Rangers legend with over 100 goals for the club, highlighted Diomande’s recurring issues this season, noting his tendency to drift out of games in big matches. “We’ve seen flashes of brilliance from him, but consistency is key at Rangers. Today, he looked lost – no urgency, no bite. If he’s not stepping up in games like this, questions have to be asked.”
The defeat piles pressure on manager Danny Röhl, who has steadied the ship since taking over earlier in the campaign but now faces a mounting gap to the summit. Hearts, under Derek McInnes, continue their remarkable title push, remaining unbeaten at home and solidifying their position as genuine contenders.
Rangers fans echoed Boyd’s frustration on social media, with many calling for changes in January. As the festive fixtures loom, Röhl will demand a response, but Boyd warned: “Players like Diomande need to look in the mirror. That’s not the standard expected at Ibrox.”
With the Premiership race heating up, this result could prove pivotal. Hearts march on, while Rangers must regroup quickly to stay in contention.
Qudus Salihu
