Rangers suffered a 2-1 defeat at Hibernian, making it their fourth straight defeat and James Tavanier left the squad ahead of kick-off, which was supposed to be a farewell to the Ibrox faithful.
The Rangers captain was not expected to be present at the stadium after being told by head coach Danny Rolle that he was not in the starting XI.
But an emotional Tavernier turned up before kick-off and received a presentation from club legend John Greig to commemorate his 11 years’ service before leaving this summer.
This was the main talking point of the night, which a few weeks ago had brought a lot of promise to Rolle’s side, but it paled into insignificance compared to what was happening elsewhere as three consecutive post-split losses ended Rangers’ title challenge.
Hibernian’s Martin Boyle celebrates after scoring against Rangers to make it 1-0
Already depleted, Ibrox were further silenced by Martin Boyle’s early lead for Hibernian, but Cerro Asgord scored a deserved equalizer just before half-time.
However, Dane Scarlett curled the ball over the goal line in the closing stages to give the visiting team three points.
The home side started with a little more purpose, with Youssef Cermiti’s header pushed wide by Hibs goalkeeper Rafael Sullinger.
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Captain James Tavanier was withdrawn from the Rangers squad for the match against Hibs, but arrived at Ibrox for a presentation from the club to bid farewell after 11 years.
Nevertheless, it was the visitors who took the lead as Jordan Obita’s cross found Boyle and he volleyed it under Jack Butland from 10 yards.
Rangers seemed to react immediately. But Cerro Asgord was thwarted by a good stop from Sullinger before Dujon Sterling sent his shot over the bar.
Celmiti was next annoyed by the Hibernian shot-stopper, who blocked a striker’s shot from close to the goal with his feet.
Sullinger was at times alone in keeping Rangers at bay, making a fine save to deny Conor Barron’s 25-yard shot that looked destined for the top corner.
Sullinger then saved Mikey Moore’s shot after Asgaard curled wide of goal from just inside the box.
Rangers’ Thero Asgord scores a free kick to make it 1-1.
It looked as if Rangers would need to produce something special to get back on even terms, and just before half-time Asgort duly obliged. The Norwegian smashed a powerful free-kick from the edge of the box into the top corner, giving Sullinger no chance.
Rangers continued to look for more points after the break, with Barron and Cermiti firing wide. Bojan Miovski pounced on a loose ball in the box and should have found the back of the net, but his shot could only go over the bar.
However, it was Hibernian who finished off the strong. After Ante Sto fired a shot into the side netting, Butland called for a double save from Scarlett and Felix Passlack.
Coach David Gray’s side scored the winning goal just before the end of regular time. Tottenham loanee Scarlett was on hand to bundle the ball into the net, as boos rang out around Ibrox as Pasluck slipped out on the right and fired a cross into the six-yard box.
Rangers head coach Rohr looks disappointed as he talks to fans at full time
Instead of Rangers supporters paying their respects to Tavernier after the game, it was Rolle who spoke to the fans and tried to explain the further defeat and his vision for the future.
Rangers travel to Falkirk on the final day looking to avoid a fifth straight defeat. Hibs know they beat Motherwell at Easter Road, but will secure a fourth-place finish with what promises to be a tasty fixture in Leith.
Roll: Surprised Tavernier decides to withdraw from the team
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Rangers head coach Danny Rolle was surprised when captain James Tavanier left the team after being told he would be benched for their farewell to Ibrox.
Rangers manager Danny Rolle said on Sky Sports:
“We have worked hard to get to a good place, but the last four games have not been good enough and not what we wanted. Today really held a mirror up to the last three weeks and showed us that we need strong reductions. We have to set new standards on and off the pitch and this is what we have to do and we will prepare as a club because we cannot accept this from now on if we are to finish the season this way.”
Speaking to fans after the game:
“For me, it is important to lead the group. I consider myself in front of me, I make decisions, I respect all supporters and their reactions, there are no question marks. Everyone is not happy at the moment, but there is a reason for that. I have listened to them and told them that we will make strong changes in the future.”
“That’s why I’m here. We want to be ambitious and we want to win something, but to do that we need to raise our standards, new standards, and this is our job.”
Rangers player James Tavanier (right) is presented with a plate by Rangers legend John Greig to commemorate his final season.
Regarding James Tavanier leaving the team:
“I spoke to him because it’s important for me that he gets a nice walk-off. He deserves it after 11 years, but I also have to make decisions on the pitch. I’m the manager.
“We talked openly, this is how I lead the group with good communication. I was really surprised that he was out today. We planned that he would be available for a few minutes, not as a starter, but he deserved to be on the pitch at the end of the game and in the end he made his own decision.”
“I’m not going to respect this in this way. It’s important that we respect each other and that he makes the final decision, and what’s important for me is that I’m the manager and I have to make my own decisions on the pitch.”
“Let’s see what the next few hours bring. Everyone should be welcome and everyone should be proud to wear the shirt. I think this is what I will ask of my group again on Saturday.”
Gray: Now we just have to play for Saturday’s game against Motherwell.
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Hibernian head coach David Gray praises victory over Rangers as team prepares for final day
Hibernian boss David Gray said on Sky Sports:
“It’s a really difficult place to come to. We got lucky at times and relied on our goalie a lot of the time, but the players found a way to win the game.
“The result went our way, so it’s going to be a great weekend. That’s all you need at this stage of the season and it’s all about the result. It was a win streak and tonight was really good in the sense that we achieved what we needed to do.”
“Now we just have to play. We have some big games this weekend. All we can do is do the job we did tonight and get the three points. The result is on us, which means we have a chance at home. If we win the game we will finish fourth and that’s all we can ask for.”
“Well done, the players. I’m glad they found a way to win the game. We’ll probably have to get better because we’re playing against a really strong team, but two wins in two really difficult places will give us confidence.”
