Mustapha SheiduKris Boyd Slams Rangers After Defeat to Hearts as players Errors Prove Costly
Former Rangers striker turned pundit Kris Boyd delivered a scathing assessment of his old club following their 2-1 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle on December 21, 2025. The loss saw Rangers slump 12 points behind the league leaders, effectively ending their title challenge in Boyd’s eyes.
The match turned in a frantic four-minute spell late in the first half. Jack Butland’s slack pass gifted Hearts a corner, from which defender Stuart Findlay headed home the opener. Moments later, the England international was beaten at his near post by Lawrence Shankland’s fierce drive from a tight angle, leaving Rangers shell-shocked.Boyd, speaking on Sky Sports, described Rangers as “miles off it” and declared their hopes over: “Rangers are out of it, they are finished now, they can forget it. Twelve points is too much to claw back.” In a dramatic twist, the ex-Ibrox hero even donned a Hearts shirt live on air, pledging his support to Derek McInnes’ side for the rest of the season – jokingly warning Shankland about competition for the No.9 spot.
While Boyd’s harshest words focused on Rangers’ overall lack of quality – highlighting that Hearts’ centre-backs have scored as many league goals as the Gers’ front three – Butland’s errors did not escape notice. Manager Danny Röhl refused to single out the goalkeeper, emphasising team responsibility, but the mistakes underscored a poor day for the usually reliable shot-stopper.Hearts dominated after the early disallowed Rangers goal, with Shankland missing chances for a hat-trick. Youssef Chermiti’s late consolation proved meaningless as the Jambos secured a historic fourth win over the Old Firm this season.
Boyd praised Hearts as title favourites, saying: “This Hearts team has arrived – they’re going all the way.” For Rangers, the defeat marks their first league loss under Röhl and raises serious questions ahead of a tough festive schedule.
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