Can't understand why Rangers' post split form dropped off a cliff. A loss of energy, fitness? belief?

There's be a few injuries but not sure what accounts for the last 3 games, Hearts and today Rangers losing from being in front too. Can't understand it.

Depressing end to the season. Here's to next season being better.

Tonight's team. Here's hoping to a win and finishing the season on a high. Hearts could win the title tonight if they win and Celtic lose.

No Tavernier. Have read on a couple of websites that he had an argument with Rohl. May be rumours. No doubt we will read and hear in due course.

Irrespective of the reason hopefully Tav will be able to join the lap of honour.

1 hour ago, Boyne said:

No Tavernier. Have read on a couple of websites that he had an argument with Rohl. May be rumours. No doubt we will read and hear in due course.

Irrespective of the reason hopefully Tav will be able to join the lap of honour.

Reports that he left the ground after he was left out.

2 minutes ago, dermott said:

Reports that he left the ground after he was left out.

From the BBC website.

"Shortly before a suited James Tavernier walked out to bid Ibrox farewell, Rangers manager Danny Rohl explained the captain's absence from the matchday squad on his last home outing.

"He had a medical issue on Monday unfortunately and there was a question mark if he'd be available today," Rohl tells BBC Scotland.

"I made my decision he would not start today because he was not 100%. He stayed away from the team today."

Responding to rumours Tavernier had fallen out with Rohl, the German replied: "There was no conflict. Me as a manager has to make the decision for the starting line-up.

"It was very clear, I was honest with him to say he would get minutes today because he deserved a great goodbye - as a starter or a sub, it was my decision.

"It was my wish he played some minutes today."

Rohl adds he does not yet know if Tavernier will feature in the club's final match of the season at Falkirk on Saturday.

"The beginning of the week, there was a medical issue, he wanted to have an injection on Tuesday and I spoke with him and now he said he moved his injection to Thursday. I can't tell you more.

"It's a bit sad for all of us."

He was given a trophy by John Greig in a pre-match presentation.

1 minute ago, Boyne said:

From the BBC website.

"Shortly before a suited James Tavernier walked out to bid Ibrox farewell, Rangers manager Danny Rohl explained the captain's absence from the matchday squad on his last home outing.

"He had a medical issue on Monday unfortunately and there was a question mark if he'd be available today," Rohl tells BBC Scotland.

"I made my decision he would not start today because he was not 100%. He stayed away from the team today."

Responding to rumours Tavernier had fallen out with Rohl, the German replied: "There was no conflict. Me as a manager has to make the decision for the starting line-up.

"It was very clear, I was honest with him to say he would get minutes today because he deserved a great goodbye - as a starter or a sub, it was my decision.

"It was my wish he played some minutes today."

Rohl adds he does not yet know if Tavernier will feature in the club's final match of the season at Falkirk on Saturday.

"The beginning of the week, there was a medical issue, he wanted to have an injection on Tuesday and I spoke with him and now he said he moved his injection to Thursday. I can't tell you more.

"It's a bit sad for all of us."

He was given a trophy by John Greig in a pre-match presentation.

Mmmmmm. Very diplomatic.

If we ever needed proof the SFA is corrupt we've had it tonight

6 minutes ago, carrickblue said:

If we ever needed proof the SFA is corrupt we've had it tonight

Yep, doing everything possible to help Celtic. The SFA is bent as a nine bob note. I just hope Hearts get a draw or win at Septic Park. Another poor result for Rangers.

Tav's message to Rangers supporters.

Someone even sadder than me did this but if his facts are correct it's pretty shocking

12 minutes ago, carrickblue said:

Someone even sadder than me did this but if his facts are correct it's pretty shocking

Bloody hell. As you mentioned, if correct, that is pretty shocking but not surprising.

As we know Hearts only need a draw tomorrow. Would love it if Celtic were winning 1-0 and Hearts were to be awarded a penalty for handball in the last minute and after it was checked by VAR it is given and Hearts score and the final result is 1-1. There would be uproar at Celtic Park and everyone else would be happy. If Rangers can't win the title, hoping that the lot from the East End of Glasgow don't.

As an aside the Scottish Football Association has issued the following statement.

https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/a-scottish-fa-statement/?rid=13929

Friday 15 May 2026

John Beaton and his family spent last night at home under police surveillance following a leak of personal details online.

The Scottish FA condemns in the strongest possible terms attempts to compromise the safety of match officials. Such vigilantism, motivated by decisions perceived to be right or wrong on a field of play, is a scourge on our national game and we are grateful to Police Scotland for their swift intervention.

We are also clear, sadly, that this is the inevitable consequence of the heightening criticism, intolerance and scapegoating demonstrated this season by media pundits, supporters, official supporters' groups, clubs, players, managers and former match officials.

We do not make that point lightly as the national association. Yet it is an inconvenient truth. Those who have sought to apportion blame and conspiracy towards match officials to deflect from defeats or perceived injustices throughout the season have contributed to an environment that puts the safety of our staff and match officials in jeopardy.

This is the consequence of a hysterical media narrative, fuelled by irresponsible knee-jerk post-match media interviews, commentary and official social media posts. The cumulative effect impacts on our ability to provide enough referees to service our game at all levels. When it compromises the safety and wellbeing of our most senior match officials, enough is enough.

Referees are not infallible. Mistakes will be made on the field, and subjective calls made in front of the VAR monitor, just as managers will pick the wrong team, goalkeepers concede soft goals and strikers miss from five yards out. Yet the reaction to these inevitabilities could not be more contrasting.

What happened yesterday is not an isolated incident. There are many examples of match officials being placed in harmful situations but with individuals fearful of speaking out lest it exacerbates the situation or causes further alarm to friends, family and colleagues.

We will not allow this to become the norm. We will not allow a situation where match officials require special provision to protect their children at school to be considered an occupational hazard. We will not allow a situation where staying at home with the front door locked and avoiding the hazards of public interaction becomes a coping strategy.

The Scottish FA will be seeking to strengthen its rules to better protect those integral to the game and urge those who will doubtless join us in condemning incidents like this to support those proposals, not contribute to their watering-down on the basis of self-preservation.

As we approach what should be an exciting finale to the season, we ask those who have personalised and hyperbolised their opinions, those who have sought the easy way out by attributing defeats to perceived refereeing errors, and those who have approved incendiary statements and posts to reflect on their contribution to creating an environment of intimidation, fear and alarm.

We urge tolerance and perspective to prevent any further, unthinkable escalation.

58 minutes ago, Boyne said:

Referees are not infallible. Mistakes will be made on the field, and subjective calls made in front of the VAR monitor, just as managers will pick the wrong team, goalkeepers concede soft goals and strikers miss from five yards out. Yet the reaction to these inevitabilities could not be more contrasting.

I am not for one instance saying that doxxing anyone is right but how tone deaf is that statement.

Managers & Players have team affiliations and their negative actions only negatively affect their own side. Referees are there to ensure the fairness of the on field competition.

With the introduction of VAR there shouldn’t be any subjective calls, it’s clear and obvious or it’s the on pitch decision. The fact that everyone involved in football in any capacity has said what a terrible decision it was just shines a light on the corruption.

They couldn’t have made it more obvious if they tried and now they’re scrambling to misdirect people with this utter bo**ocks.

There isn’t a cat in hells chance the great unwashed don’t lift that trophy tomorrow.

1 hour ago, The Boehly Babes said:

I am not for one instance saying that doxxing anyone is right but how tone deaf is that statement.

Managers & Players have team affiliations and their negative actions only negatively affect their own side. Referees are there to ensure the fairness of the on field competition.

With the introduction of VAR there shouldn’t be any subjective calls, it’s clear and obvious or it’s the on pitch decision. The fact that everyone involved in football in any capacity has said what a terrible decision it was just shines a light on the corruption.

They couldn’t have made it more obvious if they tried and now they’re scrambling to misdirect people with this utter bo**ocks.

There isn’t a cat in hells chance the great unwashed don’t lift that trophy tomorrow.

You're right, there is no reason for doxxing anyone. Such is social media etc nowadays. As regards VAR it's a bloody mess. Yes, there shouldn't be any subjective calls. If I had my way I'd scrap VAR and live with the ref's decisions. Saying that I don't think any of us have forgiven the ref for the four missed penalties against Barca in 2009.

WATP

16 May 26

FALKIRK 2-5 RANGERS

A Youssef Chermiti hat-trick helped Rangers to a 5-2 victory over Falkirk in the final match of the Scottish Premiership season this afternoon.

The Portuguese striker had a double inside 7 minutes, before Djiedi Gassama netted Rangers third of the afternoon.

Chermiti headered home a Rommen’s cross after the break for his hat-trick before Aasgaard got Rangers’ fifth from the penalty spot.

There were two changes from Wednesday’s defeat to Hibernian as John Souttar came into partner Emmanuel Fernandez in defence, with Dujon Sterling out of the matchday squad.

Djeidi Gassama was also named in the starting XI, with Oliver Antman on the bench this afternoon.

That meant Rangers lined-up with Jack Butland in goal behind a back four of Nasser Djiga, John Souttar, Emmanuel Fernandez and Tuur Rommens.

Connor Barron, Mohamed Diomande and Thelo Aasgaard were in midfield, while Gassama joined an attacking line alongside Mikey Moore and Youssef Chermiti.

Fresh from lifting the Under-19 CAS Elite League last night, there was a place on the bench for youngsters Ashton Scally, Zebedee Lawson and Aiden McCallion.

It was a positive start from Rangers as they took the advantage after only 90 seconds played. Mohamed Diomande and Mikey Moore combined down the left, before the latter picked out Youssef Chermiti inside the box and he sent a low and composed finish beyond Hogarth for his 13th goal of the season.

Chermiti was on a double with seven minutes gone, as the striker found the back of the net with a superb volley. A quick throw-in was taken by Rommens and Diomande’s initial shot was blocked, before Chermiti chested down the rebound and looped a spectacular strike over Hogarth to double the advantage.

There were three goals in the opening 10 minutes, as Falkirk reduced the deficit after a mix-up at the back for Rangers saw Tuur Rommens’ pass to Jack Butland slip under the goalkeeper’s feet and trickle over the line.

Rangers had a third goal as the game approached the half-hour mark, and it was a well-worked move. Nasser Djiga, who had slotted into right-back this afternoon, drove forward towards the edge of the box before finding Chermiti on the overlap. The striker this time turned provider, as he picked out Gassama in the box and he turned well before finding the back of the net.

Aasgaard was denied a goal shortly after, as Nicky Hogarth pulled off a strong save to deny the Norwegian after he got on the end of a good delivery from Diomande.

Rangers were forced into a first-half change as Djiga went down with an injury and after treatment was unable to continue with Max Aarons coming on to replace him.

There was a VAR check for handball in the final five minutes of the first-half, as referee Duncan Nicolson was sent to the monitor with claims the ball came off the hand of Mohamed Diomande in the box.

The penalty was awarded and Calvin Miller stepped up to the spot and sent a right-footed shot into the back of the net.

In first-half injury time, Butland pulled off a good save to push a shot from Ben Parkinson wide as the home side looked to draw level.

Chermiti started the second-half the same way as the first as he completed his hat-trick less than two minutes into the half. This time it was a header from the forward as he directed a Tuur Rommens cross into the back of the net.

Falkirk came close to getting a third minutes later as they broke up the pitch, but Calvin Miller’s shot was blocked well by Butland.

There was another change for Rangers with half an hour of this match remaining as Tochi Chukwuani came on in midfield to replace Connor Barron.

Dylan Tait flashed a long-range effort just wide for the home side, before Rangers were awarded a penalty in the 75th minute.

There was a foul on Chermiti in the box and Thelo Aasgaard stepped up to the spot and made no mistake in getting a fifth of the afternoon for Gers.

Aiden McCallion and Ashton Scally were handed their Rangers senior debuts, alongside fellow Academy youngster Zebedee Lawson replaced Tuur Rommens, Mikey Moore and Thelo Aasgaard.

Lawson curled an effort just wide in added time, as Gers ended the season with a victory.

Rangers: Butland, Djiga (Aarons, 36), Souttar, Fernandez, Rommens (Scally, 80), Barron (Chukwuani, 63), Diomande, Aasgaard (McCallion, 80), Moore (Lawson, 80), Gassama, Chermiti.

Subs: Kelly, Meghoma, Skov Olsen, Antman.

Falkirk: Hogarth, Henderson, Spencer (MacIver, 46), Broggio (Oliver, 63), Yeats, Neilson, Cartwright (Allan, 46), Ross, Parkinson (Tait, 46), Miller, Hart (Wilson, 72).

Subs: Sneddon, Donaldson, Graham, Brown

Zebedee Lawson came on as a sub against Falkirk today. He has, by far, the best first name I’ve ever known for any Rangers (or Chelsea) player!

Here's another thing... I've checked this myself so it is true. Every year in the last decade, including the year Rangers won the title, the team at the top of the table after 33 games has played their final game at home, except this year. Funny isn't it?

Edited May 18May 18 by carrickblue
Typo

3 hours ago, carrickblue said:

Here's another thing... I've checked this myself so it is true. Every year in the last decade, including the year Rangers won the title, the team at the top of the table after 33 games has played their final game at home, except this year. Funny isn't it?

Interesting. Thanks for researching and posting. Another example of the corruption of the SFA. Add to that the dodgy refereeing and VAR decisions.

I saw some of the photos and videos of the so called celebrations in Glasgow City Centre after the match. Disgraceful behaviour and as far as I know the SNP has yet to condemn what happened. The SNP wasn't slow to condemn Rangers fans when they caused problems and damage a few years back.

4 hours ago, Boyne said:

Interesting. Thanks for researching and posting. Another example of the corruption of the SFA. Add to that the dodgy refereeing and VAR decisions.

I saw some of the photos and videos of the so called celebrations in Glasgow City Centre after the match. Disgraceful behaviour and as far as I know the SNP has yet to condemn what happened. The SNP wasn't slow to condemn Rangers fans when they caused problems and damage a few years back.

Don’t hold your breath if you’re awaiting any SNP condemnation.

1 hour ago, erskblue said:

Don’t hold your breath if you’re awaiting any SNP condemnation.

Very true. Having 30 days in February would happen sooner.

Hearts have issued the following statement about the end of season fiasco:

https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/blogs/news/club-statement-1

Heart of Midlothian Football Club would once again like to thank our incredible supporters for their magnificent backing throughout this season, and to provide an update in relation to the events which unfolded at Celtic Park on Saturday.

 

As previously noted, the Club is investigating events before, during and after the match, and will offer Police Scotland our full support as they continue with their enquiries.

 

We have also written to the SFA and SPFL setting out our observations and questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the premature ending of the match, and expressing our concern that a troubling precedent has been set whereby a pitch invasion can effectively determine the duration of a football match, rather than the match officials.  We have asked them for a prompt response to the points we have raised.

 

The incursion of spectators onto the field of play must never be condoned under any circumstances, and the seriousness of the potential consequences must be fully understood by supporters and clubs alike.

 

We are aware of highly irresponsible comments made publicly this week, which appear to seek to defend those who entered the pitch on Saturday and undermine the gravity of the situation. Those remarks carry dangerous implications, and we call upon the football authorities to ensure that this matter is addressed with the seriousness it demands, and with the full cooperation of all involved.

 

This has been an excellent season for Heart of Midlothian. However, it represents only the very beginning of our plans for long-term sustained success. We look ahead to next season with confidence, supported as ever by the exceptional backing of our fans, sponsors and partners.

Deleted

Edited May 21May 21 by carrickblue
Link wouldn't work

Rangers Announce Signing of Lawrence Shankland

RANGERS Football Club can today announce the signing of striker Lawrence Shankland on a two-year deal, with an option for an additional year.

The Scotland international will become the first addition of the summer, joining from Heart of Midlothian on undisclosed terms once the transfer window opens on 15 June.

Shankland spent the past four seasons in Edinburgh, where he established himself as one of the most prolific forwards in Scotland, scoring 88 goals in 171 appearances.

Captaining Hearts in recent campaigns, he arrives with a wealth of experience in the Scottish Premiership.

The 30-year-old has worked his way through the leagues, starting his career with Queen’s Park. A spell at Aberdeen followed, with various loan moves, before he caught attention with his goalscoring records at Ayr United and Dundee United.

Prior to joining Hearts, he spent a season in the Belgian Pro League with Beerschot.

Shankland is also a regular for the Scotland National Team and will be heading to the World Cup this summer with Steve Clarke’s squad.

Speaking to Rangers TV, he said: "I am delighted to be here and to have this opportunity. Rangers is my boyhood club, and it has always been a dream to play here, so I was really keen to get it done.

"A lot of hard graft has gone in to get to this point, and I'm just really happy. The club are in a position where they want to get back to winning silverware more regularly, and I want to be a big part of that, so that's what I have come here to do."

Head coach Danny Röhl commented: "We are delighted to have Lawrence join Rangers. He is a player with proven quality, leadership and work ethic, and his goalscoring record in Scotland speaks for itself.

"He understands the demands and expectations that come with playing for Rangers, and we believe his character and experience will be a huge asset for the group. I wish him well at the World Cup this summer, and look forward to welcoming him back to Glasgow during pre-season."

Danny Röhl off to RB Salzburg. That didn't last long. Derek McInnes in the frame. Poor old Hearts.

What am I missing with Rohl jumping ship? RB Salzburg is a massive step down from Rangers and barring the end to the season he’d made a really positive impact to the playing squad.

Odd all round.