TAVERNIER IS LEFT LICKING WOUNDS
JAMES TAVERNIER labelled Rangers’ performance as ‘embarrassing’ as they went down without a fight at Hampden.
Graeme Murty’s side saw their Scottish Cup dreams killed off i n emphatic style as goals from Tom Rogic, Callum McGregor, Moussa Dembele and Olivier Ntcham moved Celtic to within 90 minutes of another domestic Treble.
And Ibrox skipper Tavernier was dismayed with the lacklustre performance as the Gers suffered another derby defeat.
He said: “It was embarrassing. The bare minimum we ask from all our players is to show fight, passion and energy and we just didn’t show that. It was embarrassing to come off that pitch after a performance like that.
“Were there strong words between the boys? One hundred per cent. You can speak so many words but you’ve got to
put them into action. We know we were way off it today. It’s not good enough for this club and it’s not good enough for our fans.
“Honestly, I can’t tell you [why there was a lack of effort]. It comes down to individuals.
“Ultimately, you come to Rangers Football Club to play in these big games and to stand out, show what you’re made of, and it wasn’t there.
“I’ve no idea [if the occasion got to us]. obviously it was a massive match for both clubs but all I ask from my players is the bare minimum of effort and energy and it wasn’t there.”
On the biggest stage of the season, Rangers produced one of their worst showings as they were humbled at Hampden.
And Tavernier has apologised to the Light Blue legions for the semi-final no-show that left them with only second place in the Premiership to play for this term.
He said: “We train every day and the energy levels are there but we were second best in almost everything today.
“I couldn’t really say, but I was expecting all my boys to get at it. You could see in the early stages we were losing possession too easily when we had the ball and just giving them a chance.
“I spoke about being ruthless in our defence, cutting out mistakes but mistakes cost us yet again and it’s just not good enough.
“I can only apologise as much as I can. It’s unacceptable for the fans. They turn out in their numbers, the people watching today will be disgusted.”