Rangers captain Tavernier admits frustration after semi-final defeat

Rangers captain James Tavernier questioned referee Nick Walsh’s consistency after the Ibrox side fell 3-1 to Celtic in a gripping Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park, despite finishing with ten men.

Celtic took the lead through striker Johnny Kenny in the 25th minute, shortly before Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard was sent off for a reckless challenge on defender Anthony Ralston.

Controversy arose just before halftime when Celtic centre-back Auston Trusty appeared to stamp on goalkeeper Jack Butland’s head after he had collected the ball, yet only received a yellow card.

Rangers fought back late in the game, with Tavernier converting a penalty in the 81st minute to send the match into extra time.

However, Celtic skipper Callum McGregor and teenager Callum Osmand scored in extra time, securing a 3-1 victory and a place in the final against St Mirren on December 14 at Hampden.

A frustrated Tavernier spoke to Walsh about the Trusty incident, sharing the conversation:
“He just said it’s down to the force of the stamp. But the intent is obvious—it’s to put a boot on his head. Hard or soft, it’s still the head,” he said.

Despite his concerns, Tavernier acknowledged the need for the team to take responsibility.

“Aasgaard is really disappointed, his head’s down. It’s down to myself and the group to support him. That decision aside, there’s no excuse for losing today,” he added.

He also highlighted the importance of consistent refereeing decisions:
“But then throughout the game, you have to carry the same approach.

Jack gets stood on the head, Dio (Mohamed Diomande) gets stood on in the belly. Those should be levelled off. That said, it’s no excuse for our defeat.”

Tavernier praised the team’s fighting spirit but stressed the need for clinical finishing:
“The fans saw the spirit at the end, but it comes down to the final third. We’ve got to be more clinical to get the results we want.”