Sparta Prague fans racially abused Monaco's Aurelien Tchouameni so faced a stadium closure tonight vs Rangers.
The only exception is that 10,000 local kids under 14 years are in but Glen Kamara, racially abused by Slavia’s Ondrej Kudela, is now being booed with every touch.
Vascular dementia means that sometimes a visit ends with you leaving demoralised as you feel you’re losing your granda in front of your eyes.
Then he watches Rangers win 3-0, recites the Iron Curtain team from the 1940’s & he’s brimming with life.
Football is an amazing drug 💙
Gerrard on the atmosphere tonight: “One of the reasons I took this job was because of the support. I could see the hurt & I wanted to help. It’s moments like tonight that make it all worthwhile. I’m glad I signed up. I was so proud to be the manager of this club out there.”
Peter Bosz’s PSV have lost once all season - to Arsenal. He felt they had played fairly well at the Emirates, yet they’d lost 4-0.
He was confused so he studied what makes Mikel Arteta’s team different.
It has fuelled their flawless Eredivisie start.
That's 16 Europa League qualifiers navigated by Rangers under Steven Gerrard. They haven't been behind for one minute. Red Star Belgrade are the only other team to have come from the 1st round to the group stage, but Rangers have now done it twice in a row. Some mental strength.
Been a difficult time of it as my granda was diagnosed with vascular dementia earlier this year.
But this is why football is more important than ever for him. Having that community and those sensations do his brain so much good.
My dad who is going to be 90 in a couple of days just realising Rangers have made it to the semi finals of the Europa League! Here's hoping he gets to see his team win the final!
Rangers’ rise the last decade:
⬇️ 2012: Playing in fourth tier
⬆️ 2016: Promoted to Premiership
🌍 2018: Europa League group stage
🏴 2021: First league title in 10 years
🏆 2022: Europa League final
⚽️ 2022: Champions League groups
Happen to see Jermain Defoe’s instagram yesterday?
You’ll have noticed him sharing tips on striker movement and how to trick defenders.
This is only 45 seconds but I sat down with him for over an hour as he gave a masterclass in movement & finishing.
Leon Balogun says he felt “numb” before the game due to the last few days but the changing room is now “buzzing”.
Says he’s fallen in love with the club & that getting back up after being knocked down is what makes him & Rangers a good fit.
Says he’d loved to stay.
That is Malik Tillman now with seven goals and five assists in his first senior season as a footballer, aged 20.
He's consistently Rangers' best creator and gets numbers beyond his years. Incredible that his talent isn't lauded more than it is.
Disgusting. It's also really uncomfortable watching his team-mates try to force him to stay on the park when they should be supporting his decision. If they all walked maybe more would be doe to prevent it from happening.
Leverkusen clearly a step too far for Rangers but what a campaign that was.
395 days and 18 games it took before it ended.
15 minutes of magic in Midtjylland, the last gasp Legia winner, the shape in Porto, the headers in Rotterdam, the comeback v Braga. Plenty of moments.
Can you imagine Rangers or Celtic doing this? At least four people would be sacked, the player would be put into witness protection and there would be a tribunal into, well, something anyway.
Alfredo Morelos isn’t perfect, but the demonisation of him is disgusting.
There is a xenophobic and racist underbelly to the abuse & analysis. I have felt slightly uncomfortable in some grounds this season with just how irate some fans become when Morelos is concerned.
What is it like to face this Arsenal team?
Coaches, analysts & players agreed to speak anonymously to
@TheAthleticFC
to give a transparent account of what makes Arteta’s team so difficult to plan for and play against.
Steven Gerrard says he wants an independent investigation opened to look into the SPFL's handling of the resolution. Doesn't believe an internal investigation is good enough.
"If you mark your own homework you're always going to finish top of the class," he said.
Two seasons ago Rangers were beaten in the first qualifying round of the Europa League by Progres Niederkorn.
28 European games later & Steven Gerrard has guided Rangers to the group stage twice - now the last 32 of the competition.
That transformation cannot be underestimated.
Ryan Jack put in one of his most rounded performances for Rangers yesterday. He's contributing more in possession while continuing to be the glue in midfield. I asked Gerrard what he thought about his development.
Andy Halliday will leave Rangers having played 152 games for his boyhood club.
He may not have been part of a winning team but I imagine living the dream for five years and helping Rangers get back to the top flight will mean he retires a happy man.
Kamara sent off for a second yellow. Goes up to win the header and his arm, barrly above shoulder height, goes into the Sparta player. I’ve seen more contact in a queue for a covid test.
🧠 Jorginho & Ramsdale were coaching Arsenal’s U15s against each other as part of their UEFA B license.
The Italian’s team had to play through the press but kept failing. The coach mentors suggested he go long.
Jorginho had a different idea.
There are men crying everywhere around me. Barely a soul has left this stadium.
You cannot beat football. And you cannot beat Ibrox when it's like this. Just ask Dortmund, Red Star, Braga and Leipzig if you don't believe me.
James Tavernier says this is the best dressing room he’s ever been in when asked what has helped propel Rangers to the
#UEL
final.
“We know each other so well and go into every game knowing we’ll go to the death for each other, he said.
“It’s a privilege to captain them.”
Arsenal are flying going forward but their defence is still producing ridiculous numbers.
In their 6 leagues games of 2024 they’ve allowed just 1.9xG.
That’s 3.5 times less than City & more than 10 times less than Newcastle (both played an extra game).
Glen Kamara is moving closer to signing a new deal at Rangers,
@TheAthleticUK
understands.
The midfielder’s future been uncertain but Rangers have moved to increase their security over him by offering an extension on improved terms.
Interview with Andy Halliday who, it was announced on Tuesday, will leave Rangers when his contract expires.
He spoke about how much it has meant to fulfil his lifelong ambition, as well as the highs and lows of his five years at Ibrox.
Zinchenko to miss Arsenal’s game vs West Ham this afternoon after picking up groin issue against Liverpool.
Not thought to be serious but club choosing to protect him.
Arsenal also still without Saliba at the back.
A large section of the Dundee United support boo the minute’s silence at Ibrox and sing “Lizzie’s in a box”.
Rule Britannia now ringing out around the stadium in retaliation.
Didn’t expect any disturbance to be as loud as that.
Tavernier didn't give up penalty duties. Gerrard confirmed after the game that Morelos was the designated taker after he decided he needed to change it. An armband doesn't mean you are responsible for everything believe it or not.Tavernier was very strong today.
After a military operation to get his poncho on, my granda managed to calm himself and enjoy the game. Still has no idea why he was wearing it or what the mask is for but what a difference football makes to him.
Arsenal hounded Bruno Guimaraes in a way that suggested they hadn’t forgotten about that elbow at St James’.
It was controlled aggression, though, and a plan to entice Newcastle to play into the centre of the pitch.
Rice stalked him. Arsenal bullied.
If you watched Morelos today and came to the conclusion that he didn't put in the effort or didn't have at least a fairly good game, then it seems to me that the conclusion was decided before the evidence was considered.
A bit rusty at times but involved in a lot of the play.
Rangers’ match against Dundee United has been brought forward from April 3 to February 21.
It means that if Rangers and Celtic pick up the same number of points before the Old Firm on March 20, Rangers can win the league at Celtic Park with five games to spare.
I’m convinced Calvin Bassey and Ryan Kent could sprint at top speed continuously for 24 hours straight.
They genuinely looked no different in the 119th minute today than they did in the 1st minute on Wednesday. Incredible athletes. It’s what is needed to compete in Europe too.
When Rangers lost the ball in the corner they were about to retreat, but Tavernier shouted ‘Go! Go! Go!’, they won it back and ten seconds later are up 3-2. Great move.
Rangers are Scottish Premiership champions.
After a ten year wait, they have claimed their 55th league title with six games to spare.
Steven Gerrard’s team has annihilated the field this season. Total dominance.
Noted this down and should really have referenced it in my report as, while it may not seem significant, Rangers have looked too nice at times in recent years.
Lundstram has become a leader in this team and in setting the tone. He’s brought that snarling presence to midfield.
Part of Arsenal’s power last season was their predictability, but Arteta is now making them into a footballing chameleon.
So many options in the build-up that they can switch to.
In the 13th minute vs Man Utd, the variety saw Tomiyasu set free twice.
Rangers have won 22, drawn 6 & lost 4 of their 32 home European ties since 2018.
Maribor, Ufa, Rapid Vienna, Midtjylland, Legia, Feyenoord, Porto, Braga, Galatasaray, Liege, Poznan, Antwerp, Alashkert, Brondby, Sparta, Dortmund, Red Star & Leipzig all on the list.
Formidable.
It is disheartening to see some Rangers fans rail against taking a knee, but plenty are also calling those people out.
It’s clear that it is about promoting racial equality, not a political movement.
7 of last night’s squad were black. Think about how it must make them feel.
Arsenal produced another game which broke numbers.
But look at this average pass map. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it.
Crunched the numbers and with 825 passes in 56 minutes of active play, they averaged a pass every four seconds.
⚽️ Pleased to say I’ll be writing mainly about Arsenal for
@TheAthleticFC
from now on.
Really exciting time to go to London & report on what Arteta is building.
Had a great four years covering Rangers. It was literally the dream job and to cover 55 & Sevilla was unforgettable.
Goldson doesn’t get the credit he deserves but he’ll be truly appreciated when he moves on.
He and Tavernier aren’t perfect but they play virtually every game of every season and come back for more after the tough periods.
It was unfair to question his commitment or desire.
Arteta not having the suggestion that Havertz leaves Arsenal’s midfield lightweight.
“We have to find the right balance but a year ago Granit could never play as an attacking midfielder…
“Three of them had never played together, ever. So tranquillo.”
The Arsenal squad warming up at George Mason Stadium in DC on the first day of their US tour.
Captain Martin Odegaard is moving fine after a slight knock
A year ago today Rangers lost 1-0 to Hamilton at Ibrox.
They have not lost a league game since - a run of 32 games.
Think back to how toxic the atmosphere was at the end of that game. The turnaround since has been remarkable.
Why were a group who, not long ago, killed a journalist in Northern Ireland and sent a bomb to Glasgow uni allowed to do this? Seems like an irresponsible decision, especially this close to the Old Firm.
It’s preposterous to claim Rangers’ kit launch video is controversial.
The ‘four lads’ song (which refreshingly only contains lyrics about football) is a staple at Ibrox and, given the kit is a nod to the club’s origins, is a natural fit.
This only debases future conversations.
1/3 The laudable mission statement from Rangers ‘Everyone, Anyone’ campaign. The question the club has to answer today: does using the tune to what has sadly become in Scotland ‘The Famine Song’ on an official video live up to a single letter of it?
Ryan Jack should be starting ahead of Scott McTominay for Scotland.
Not because he’s curled in two beauties tonight, but because he controls games with ease now and reads play so well.
He’s been arguably man of the match every game he’s played this season.
Rangers have added Chris Summersell, a well-known figure in the analytics community, to their technical scouting team.
He was the first person to notice Liverpool were choosing not to block shots from outside the box last season & did some really interesting work on why.
Declan Rice doing some light work on the bike today. He’s one of several players who aren’t doing work on the grass today, as planned. They’re building his fitness up after joining later.
You just know that Umar Sadiq, running through on goal with the keeper coming out, was thinking about doing that Aberdeen dive there. Instead, he took on the shot and put it wide, meaning Joe Aribo is likely to be back with Rangers now. Always knew he’d play his part eventually.
Just remembered that Alfredo Morelos headed a throw-in while in between two players and then lobbed it 60 yards over his head, chased it, got there and won a foul. Mr Getyouupthepark. He’s ridiculously good.
Alfredo Morelos turns 24 today & is celebrating his first Father’s Day.
He is a son and a brother driven by tragedy and poverty, a goalscorer both loved and loathed & a philanthropist transforming his hometown.
This is his story.
⚽ 🐃 🇨🇴
Porteous not popular with Rangers. Morelos, Tavernier and Gerrard all refusing to acknowledge him on the way in to the dressing room. A few words had between the latter two.
A couple of loans out the way will happen at Ibrox today but it’s looking like Rangers will hold on to their top players.
Morelos & Barisic both staying. Dan James to Leeds has killed prospect of Kent, while Kamara is expected to extend & Patterson to Everton won’t happen now.
That’s Alfredo Morelos’ sixth goal in eight games under Van Bronckhorst. It also takes him onto 107 Rangers goals, tying him with Alan Morton at 33rd in the club’s all-time scoring charts.
Searching 'McBurnie' during a Scotland game is always a good reminder of how horrible a place social media can be.
You'd never guess that the nation is meant to be in a positive mood or that, you know, he's actually a decent player (when you don't launch the ball at his head).
Scottish football’s ‘keep my cards in my pocket’ approach to refereeing is really damaging the game. There are fouls every week which are just blatant yellows yet go unpunished. That Stevenson one is hilarious.
Rangers have signed a £25m multi-year deal with Castore.
Interview with co-founder Tom Beahon on how Rangers’ sales in the 90’s inspire him, how Adidas & Nike got lazy, six-figure investment in megastore, fan involvement, 150th anniversary plans.
Rangers’ lead could extend to 23 points tomorrow if they win against Motherwell.
Celtic drew 0-0 with Livingston today meaning they can only reduce the gap to 14 if they win their two games in hand.
Since the 2-0 Old Firm defeat in October they’ve won just 6 out of 19 games.
David Martindale's story should be promoted as an example of how people can turn their life around.
He was punished for his past, educated himself and has proven himself to be a talented coach. I hope the hearing tomorrow recognises that people can be rehabilitated and excel.
Don’t think it’s a stretch to say this may be Kent’s most complete performance in a Rangers jersey. When he’s this direct and making the right decisions you could see him playing at a higher level. Open games like this suit him perfectly.
The 100th and 101st goals of Alfredo Morelos’ career today. He’s not long turned 23. I haven’t seen many players who love scoring as much as he does, and I mean LOVE scoring. Even at 5-1 in the pelting rain.
Tillman stood still and watched as Kent turned and ran at Liverpool’s defence. Looked like he couldn’t be bothered making an option. He has talent but needs to be more energetic in these big games as it’s passing him by.
Jose Cifuentes set to arrive at Rangers this week after the club struck a deal with LAFC to sign him before pre-contract.
A fair bit of excitement about him within the club.
Adds to Raskin, Cantwell & Dowell in an area that had grown tired.
@tombogert
Rangers are champions of Scotland.
This is the inside story of Steven Gerrard’s three years:
🗣The HT team talk that changed the mentality
🏃🏼♂️ Fitness demands
🔨 Training ground overhauls
♟Tactical sessions that perfected the shape
💻 Lockdown Zooms
Rangers' attacking quartet of Morelos, Kent, Aribo & Hagi is a good mix of power, guile & imagination.
All four are between 21 and 23, while three of the four are full internationals. They are the exact profile of player Rangers should be bringing in and selling on.
This is a personal piece I’ve written about my granda.
He’s 88 and still has a season ticket at Ibrox. He lives for going to watch Rangers but without that to keep his mind active I’ve noticed a decline.
I wish I could tell him he could go back soon.
Rangers closing in on a deal for Besiktas left-back Ridvan Yilmaz.
21yo Turk fits into Van Bronckhorst’s direct style.
Frankfurt were close three weeks ago but talks broke down. Interest from Germany and Italy but the player has heart set on Ibrox.
Van Bronckhorst will be bringing Roy Makaay as first-team coach, Arno Philips (physio with Netherlands but former physical coach at Feyenoord) & Yori Bosschaart, who was his main video analyst at both Feyenoord and Shanghai.
Understood there will be more staff to come.
Giovanni Van Bronckhorst is a strong contender to succeed Steven Gerrard as Rangers manager.
The former Feyenoord boss expressed an interest in the role very early on and the list has been whittled down.
Derek McInnes not in the frame.
🚨Exc: Calvin Bassey has chosen to join Ajax and in a move that will bank Rangers over a guaranteed £20 million.
There are add-ons that will mean the total deal could rival Tierney’s move to Arsenal as a SPFL record.
Rangers negotiated a 10% sell-on.