Departing Rangers captain James Tavernier has said he felt “deeply hurt” after missing the chance to make a final appearance at Ibrox, as he broke his silence on the fallout with manager Danny Rohl that led to him withdrawing from the squad against Hibernian.
The 34‑year‑old had been expected to lead the side out for a last home game on Wednesday night, but instead appeared only before kick‑off to receive a commemorative plaque from Rangers legend John Greig. Tavernier then wiped away tears as he waved goodbye to supporters. He did not feature in the matchday squad – and has now revealed the painful chain of events that led to his absence.
In a lengthy social media statement, Tavernier explained that he had picked up a knock on his ankle following the Hearts game. After discussions with the medical staff, an injection was initially scheduled for Thursday. “After Sunday’s game, and with emotions running high, I made the decision to bring the injection forward to Tuesday,” he wrote. “That decision would have ruled me out of both Wednesday and Saturday’s matches.”
However, after speaking with his family and the club’s medical department throughout Monday, he decided to delay the injection until Thursday so he could play one final game at Ibrox. He said he personally informed Rohl of this decision, explaining how important it was to him and his family. “I said I wanted to lead the lads out at Ibrox one last time and have my children walk out with me as mascots,” Tavernier wrote.
According to the departing captain, Rohl agreed that it was the “right decision” and acknowledged that Tavernier deserved a “proper send‑off”, recognising the importance to his family. Tavernier added that his son, who is in the Rangers academy, had sacrificed taking part in an overseas tournament to walk out as a mascot for the final time at Ibrox.
‘Deeply hurt and let down’
Tavernier said he messaged Rohl on the eve of the match to confirm he would be starting, but was then told he would begin on the bench. “In that moment, my emotions understandably took over,” he wrote. “Many people may feel I could have handled the situation better, and I accept that, but after dedicating over a decade of my life to this club, with my family beside me throughout it all, I felt deeply hurt and let down.”
He expressed particular disappointment that the version of events later presented publicly “did not reflect the conversations that had taken place privately beforehand”. Tavernier firmly believes the situation “could and should have been handled much better from all sides”, adding that “a lack of communication allowed matters to escalate unnecessarily”.
Despite his hurt, Tavernier ended his statement by insisting: “No individual is ever bigger than this great football club. Rangers must always come first. I hope the fans continue to stand united behind the team and the club moving forward.”
Rohl’s account
Manager Danny Rohl has offered a contrasting version of events. He stated that Tavernier had a “medical issue” on Monday and there was a question mark over his availability. Rohl claimed he convinced Tavernier to move an injection from Tuesday to Thursday, making him available for the Hibernian match. Rohl said he was transparent with Tavernier about the decision to start him as a substitute, intending to give him minutes on the pitch for his farewell.
Rohl described the situation as “strange” and said he “didn’t expect this”. He indicated that Tavernier’s refusal to be a substitute led to him staying away from the team. The German coach is unsure whether Tavernier will be available for Rangers’ final match of the season against Falkirk on Saturday.
Tavernier’s Rangers legacy
The 11‑year Rangers career of the English right‑back will come to an end when his contract expires at the end of June 2026, with no new terms tabled. Tavernier joined the club in 2015 when they were in the Scottish Championship and played a key role in their re‑establishment in the top flight. Appointed club captain in 2018, he has made more than 562 appearances and scored 144 goals – making him the highest‑scoring defender in British professional football history.
Under his captaincy, Rangers won the Scottish Premiership in 2020‑21, the Scottish Cup in 2021‑22, and the League Cup in 2023. He also led the side to the 2022 Europa League final. Tavernier was inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame in 2023. He made his departure public last month in a statement that caught many supporters off guard.
Rangers’ troubled end to the season
This week’s 2‑1 defeat to Hibernian extended Rangers’ post‑split losing streak to four matches – a run not seen at the club since 1985. With two games remaining, Rangers trail leaders Hearts by a single point. Manager Danny Rohl has faced calls for his sacking following the recent poor form, though he has expressed confidence that he “deserves” to remain in charge for the next season.
Tavernier’s final appearance in a Rangers shirt – if it happens – will come away to Falkirk on Saturday. Rohl’s uncertainty over the captain’s fitness means a second goodbye on the pitch remains far from guaranteed.
