Rangers captain James Tavernier does believe that some fan frustration went ‘too far’ after the humbling Old Firm defeat to Celtic.
The Light Blues were simply outclassed by their arch-rivals at Celtic Park at the beginning of September and left a huge dent in their ambition to challenge for the Scottish Premiership title.
Psychologically it was a massive blow for Rangers who, as a result of the loss and a draw to Hearts, sit in third place and five points behind Celtic with five games played.
Rangers fans were raging with the derby defeat and many turned up outside Ibrox hours after the game to voice their fury to the returning squad and manager.
One video in particular went viral showing a fan singling out Tavernier as he stepped off the Rangers team coach with the skipper subjected to a tirade of verbal abuse.
And now for the first time, the 32-year-old has reflected on the experience with Sky Sports reporter Luke Shanley who sat down with Tavernier for a candid interview.
Tavernier on Rangers fan fury after Celtic loss
Filmed before Rangers beat Malmo in the Europa League, Tavernier said: “Yeah, it’s obviously part and parcel with football.
“You see it up and down the country, as fans they want to display their frustration. You can understand the frustration they have and obviously us as players are frustrated as well.
“We never want to go out there and lose the game or draw the game, especially playing for Rangers, we always want to win. We will always give our 100 percent effort to that cause.
“Certain things can go too far but it’s something in the past, it’s not something that I really dwell on, I always keep looking forward. And it motivates me more to do better.”
Tavernier addresses Rangers transfer exit talk
Shanley also asked Tavernier if there was any truth to the rumours that he was close to leaving Ibrox in the summer.
Tavernier was linked with moves to Turkey and Saudi Arabia but he insists while there was noise in the press, he is committed to his current contract at Rangers.
He said: “Like I said at the start of the season, there’s always going to be reports and links.
“I’m in contracted until the end of next season and Rangers have always given me that platform to play my football and the foundations to do something that a lot of people would love to do. So I’ve always got a great debt to pay.
“But it is football at the end of the day and if teams come in, teams come in. But I’m fully focused with the job at hand and I know I’ve still got a lot to achieve.”
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