Before Philippe Clement’s dejected expression came before the captain was hooked, Rangers TV emphasized the fan outrage directed at James Tavernier as he struggled against Motherwell.
With the Premiership title fight already looming over them, Captain Tavernier has been singled out by punters as a scapegoat due to his sharp decline in form this season. After a hard-fought victory in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, there was ultimately relief and celebration at Hampden, but it was tempered by worries over yet another subpar showing.
At the national stadium, Rangers were jeered out at halftime after Andy Halliday gave Motherwell the lead. Cyriel Dessers and Nedim Bajrami gave Clement the final laugh, but it was a nerve-wracking match where fans threatened to—and occasionally did—turn. During a time early in the second half, Tavernier crossed from deep but hilariously overhit it, causing the crowd to erupt in jeers and booing.
After a disgruntled Tavernier turned away in disgust, Rangers TV cameras cut to Clement on the touchline, who appeared confused and gazed blankly at his captain. Commentator Tom Miller acknowledged the roar of indignation coming from the stands, saying: “I believe the Rangers fans’ responses hows the frustration that I’m sure the manager and the captain himself are feeling.
As it happened, the annoyance soon subsided. Rangers quickly leveled the score thanks to Dessers, but they struggled to find a winner. Tavernier was hooked for Dujon Sterling before Bajrami scored the game-winning goal. The captain is still a key member of Clement’s team, but this is the most recent indication that the manager isn’t quite satisfied with his performances this season. He was also substituted out of the starting lineup for their close victory over St. Mirren last month and was replaced at the hour mark in the loss to Lyon.