Match Thread [FT] Rangers 1 (Tavernier 76) - 0 Aberdeen

[26th of foot 6,082]

There are eighteen days to go, Rangers face six games, three League, two Europa Cup and, the final itself. A most hectic and intense period.

 

It struck me in the immediate wake of events at Pittodrie on Sunday last, the build up had already begun. Of course, the Dandies are frustrated, twice in the last several months they have snatched a draw and a defeat from the jaws of time added on victories. Other clubs are fortunate in that they are lionised in such circumstance due to a never stop attitude but, Rangers are accused of being the beneficiaries of vague nefarious influence. Our accusers had to be patient such were the numbers involved. 

 

Applying the levers to Pandora's Box were Barry Robson, Wullie Miller, Richard Gordon, Liam McLeod, Jonathon Sutherland, Michael Stewart, Chris Sutton, Peter Martin, Neil Lennon, Mark Wilson and, former Referees, Steve Conroy and Des Roache. All of the world's ills can be comfortably laid at the door of Rangers; particularly if you construe a shirt pull inside the box as being worthy of an equity card and, your mindset is Rangers deserved nothing. According to Michael Stewart time added on events should not apply to Rangers because, "just like the Hearts game, Rangers were never going to score until the Referee's decision". Or, if Rangers do not stop we will apply sufficient pressure to ensure Rangers are stopped.

 

Rangers can help themselves. Firstly have a serious word with Todd Cantwell, he is a creative player with a penchant for finding space to throw himself to the ground unchallenged. The former Norwich player has a grievance, his yellow card rate is three times higher in Scotland. However, he has established a reputation for fresh air surfing and he must be told to refrain. Secondly, the club's historic adherence to dignified silence must be up for serious consideration. I understand not wanting to confront every crackpot with an agenda; however, achievement on the pitch should not be surrendered meekly in serial continuing aftermath. Barry Robson's post match line, "another stoppage time penalty to Rangers is not a good look for Scottish football" was a feed from Alan Burrows.

 

The current Aberdeen Chief Executive has a ton of previous with Rangers. His behaviour at Motherwell made him most attractive to the Dandies. His first publicised decision was to reduce Rangers supporters ticket allocation whilst NOT doing similarly to Sellik supporters. He knows the value of gratuitous kicks at Rangers whereas similar behaviour towards the establishment club carries sanctions. What did Burrows say after his club's six goal thrashing at ra Stade de Gadd? He has plenty to say about our club and there is a whole list of the usual suspects waiting impatiently to deliver the lines.

 

Whataboutery is not a good look but events do not occur in a vacuum, Sellik were awarded two penalties, allowed ten minutes time added on and, survived their left back stamping his studs down on to a 'Well player's shin. Did the levers find purchase? They were not even picked up, let alone shouldered. Compare and contrast with a Rangers player having his jersey pulled in the opposition box during injury time? A true benefit of being the establishment club is the deflection you can effect on another club that ironically, you claim is the establishment club.

 

Phillipe Clement has his hands full, getting a tune out of an assembled grouping not of his choosing and concurrently dealing with fixture congestion whilst under constant off field heavy artillery. The five games between now and the cup final will come under forensic investigation, the levers are waiting and most willing.  To see it any other way suggests you have already seen Michael Matheson's season ticket for Firhill?

[Scott7 6,002]

I laughed at that, @26th of foot but it’s only the last sentence that amuses me. The rest is deadly serious.

 

If I were Aberdeen’s Chief Executive I would be worried that the Coach didn’t know the rules. “Not every shirt pull in the penalty box is a penalty” says Robson. What sort of a shirt pull is ok anywhere on the field let alone the penalty area?

 

Surely in football while the ball is in play, only the goalkeeper can use his hands for any purpose and that within a specified area of the pitch. Don’t any clever bloke mention throw-ins. The ball is not in play until thrown and if the throw is taken properly the player should be standing off the pitch.

[Gonzo79 15,292]

Don't pull shirts in the box and you won't give the referee the choice to make.

Even simpletons should be able to grasp that (but they evidently cannot).

[Scott7 6,002]

Since Italia 90 a generation has grown up believing that shirt tugging is not only legitimate but a rather smart tactic, the more blatant the better because it shows what a clever defender you are. Send them off, ref. They’re in the wrong game.

[compo 7,030]

I’m looking forward to this final one way or the other it’s going to be fun .

mon the gers. 

[Scott7 6,002]

Nope. Only fun if we win.

[compo 7,030]

8 hours ago, Scott7 said:

Nope. Only fun if we win.

I’m on the wrong page 

 

 

Edited November 30, 2023 by compo

[Scott7 6,002]

2 hours ago, SykseyBear said:

All your wee favourites need to go. 

Would. You keep anyone?

 

I like the ‘keeper. Souttar might be fine in stronger surroundings. Danilo could be good with a bit of help. McCausland has promise but that’s for the future.

The defence is long past it, the midfield hardly exists and the attack is severely handicapped.

 

You know, you could be right and I certainly agree that Rangers are second favourites for the LCF.

 

My enemies will be bookmarking this to flourish at me when Rangers win it 4-0.

[Gonzo79 15,292]

3 hours ago, SykseyBear said:

This time we are all going with trepidation, pessimism, fear, pressure, knowing that Barry f*cking Robson has yet another Rangers managers number.

Incorrect. 

[compo 7,030]

3 hours ago, SykseyBear said:

A game which should be a gimme is no longer. The days of Rangers FC steamrollering into cup finals and making trophies their own are over. This time we are all going with trepidation, pessimism, fear, pressure, knowing that Barry f*cking Robson has yet another Rangers managers number. Aberdeen are favourites. No 2 ways about it. Being favourites, being confident, being expectant and demanding with these Rangers players only leads one way and it isn't to success. Sad times. Sooner the place is gutted the better. All your wee favourites need to go. 

Rangers 2/7

 

Aberdeen 10/3