Rangers salvaged a 2-2 draw against Aberdeen as tempers flared at Pittodrie on Sunday.
Barry Ferguson made nine changes to his starting line-up (13 April) and it showed as the Gers put in a lacklustre display in the first half.
Ross McCausland was dismissed for a second yellow card after Leighton Clarkson had given the hosts the lead with a stunning free-kick and Pape Gueye doubled their advantage.
Hamza Igamane reduced the arrears after the interval and the Light Blues found a leveller at the death through Ianis Hagi.
Rangers coach leaves McFadden stunned in Aberdeen draw
The Gers had endured a frustrating afternoon before Hagi’s late strike secured a point on their travels as the hosts constantly created chances and threatened Liam Kelly.
That anger was evident when assistant manager Neil McCann was handed a booking on the sidelines with the full-time whistle approaching, which left James McFadden astonished.
Speaking on Sky Sports (13 April, 13:47 pm), he said: “No way. Look at him trying to show he’s not raging.
“To be fair, there are a few candidates when you see the referee going over, it could be anybody on that bench.
Ferguson needs Rangers results to improve
There is no wonder that Ferguson’s staff were furious, the Govan outfit’s performance was embarrassing for the majority of the Scottish Premiership clash and they were lucky to come away with a positive result.
Connor Barron in particular struggled to cope with the intensity and hostility at Pittodrie, as he was constantly heckled given the circumstances of his controversial move to Ibrox.
Ferguson’s future is hanging in the balance as the 49ers decide whether to keep him in the role on a permanent basis once their takeover is complete or move in a different direction.
Their domestic form has been a world away from their stunning Europa League form and winning that competition may not be enough to keep him in the dugout.
The American investors need to see that there is progress being made to catch Celtic in the league, rather than the Auchenhowie outfit just turning up when the stakes are high in Europe.
If Ferguson and his team cannot show that, they will be out of the door and the Glasgow club will be looking for a new manager once again rather than allowing a legend to continue to make progress.
