Qudus SalihuWhile the controversial refereeing of Nick Walsh dominated headlines after Rangers’ Scottish Cup defeat to Celtic, an equally intense storm is brewing over the individual performances of two players: defender Nasser Djiga and striker Youssef Chermiti. A growing number of furious fans are demanding that both players should never pull on a Rangers shirt again, citing their “awful display” as a key factor in the agonizing 3-1 extra-time loss.
For Nasser Djiga, who was surprisingly handed a start in the high-stakes semi-final, the pressure proved too much. Fans and pundits alike heavily criticised the on-loan Wolverhampton Wanderers man for looking “lost” and exhibiting “hesitance and panic” throughout the game. His positioning and lack of composure were called out as a major weak point, particularly after the early red card to Thelo Aasgaard meant the defence needed to be rock-solid. His performance was seen as one of the most significant selection failures of the afternoon.
The criticism for Youssef Chermiti stems from a broader issue of underperformance. The £10 million summer signing, who has already faced intense scrutiny for his failure to justify his price tag, was labelled ineffective and timid by large sections of the Ibrox faithful. Having previously been slammed for a “disrespectful” goal celebration aimed at critics, his lack of impact against Celtic only amplified the outrage. Supporters see his continued inclusion as an expensive liability, with his display reinforcing the belief that the club’s recruitment strategy for him was fundamentally flawed.
For many Rangers fans, the two players represent a costly lack of quality and commitment at a crucial time. The consensus emerging from the terraces and online forums is clear: poor recruitment cannot be tolerated, and if Djiga and Chermiti are unable to cope with the demands of an Old Firm derby, they must be moved on as swiftly as possible.
Rabiu Aminu
Qudus Salihu
Mustapha Sheidu
