'Dogs Abuse' - Tam McManus defends Rangers 'Scapegoat' after Ibrox footage he saw

Tam McManus believes that James Tavernier has become Rangers’ “scapegoat” due to their recent poor performances.

Footage emerged of fans abusing the defender when the team returned to Ibrox after the 3-0 defeat to Celtic in the Old Firm derby (1 September).

There have been several rumours surrounding the future of the Gers’ captain over the transfer window with moves to both Turkey [TEAMtalk, 19 July] and Saudi Arabia mooted.

Speaking to PLZ Soccer (7 September) McManus shared that he still thinks that Tavernier is one of the club’s best players.

“He seems to have become a huge scapegoat for the supporters, McManus said.

“We all saw the situation outside Ibrox where the supporters were giving him abuse, I think you look on social media you know he’s getting dogs abuse ‘He’s not captain material’ and he’s really come under fire from a large section of the Rangers supporters.

“For me, I think he’s still one of Rangers’ best players, he gets exposed against Celtic because he’s up against Maeda who’s a Duracell bunny, he just can’t deal with that pace.”

James Tavernier should be allowed to leave Rangers in January

Time is up at Ibrox for Tavernier and that has been clear to see across the entirety of the transfer window.

A plethora of clubs have been linked with the 32-year-old’s signature since the end of last season, but so far an exit has yet to materialise.

Nothing ended up coming to fruition in terms of a move in the summer but since the window closed in Scotland Turkish teams have continued to show an interest [HITC, 6 September].

While the club would be silly to allow the right-back to exit before a replacement can be brought in, if a club makes a suitable offer in January, there’s no reason why Philippe Clement should say no.

Tavernier is likely one of the highest earners at the club and his sale could have a positive impact on recruitment throughout the next transfer window.

It’s also clear to see that the Gers want a younger squad to carry them forward which has been shown by the likes of Connor Barron being brought in to replace John Lundstram.

There’s no saying where Tavernier will end up next but it feels as if his time in Scotland is finally ready to come to a close.

In other Rangers news, Philippe Clement has been backed to win fan’s support back this season.

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