Rangers' James Tavernier walks past the trophy following defeat in the UEFA Europa League Final at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, Seville. Picture date: Wednesday May 18, 2022.
# Tavernier Tears Into Rangers Social Media Over ‘Rubbish’ Post Ahead of Genk Clash
In a stunning pre-match bombshell, Rangers captain James Tavernier has unleashed fury on the club’s own social media team, branding their latest post about him as “absolute rubbish.” The outburst comes just days before Rangers’ crucial Europa League group stage showdown with Genk on Thursday, heightening tensions at Ibrox amid a turbulent season.
The controversy erupted when Rangers’ official media account shared a graphic that hasn’t gone down well with the club’s captain. The post featured stats showing zero goals conceded from his flank, but critics—including Tavernier himself—slammed it as misleading and tone-deaf, ignoring his season-long struggles with positioning and a glaring error that nearly cost the game.
Tavernier, 33, fired back on his personal Instagram story Tuesday morning: “That post is absolute rubbish. We’re all pulling in the same direction, but let’s get the facts right—not this spin.” The right-back, who has captained Rangers to a 2021 Premiership title and the 2022 Europa League final, deleted the story within hours, but screenshots spread like wildfire across fan forums and rival accounts.
Sources close to the squad say Tavernier was “livid” in training, confronting digital media staff during a break. “It’s distracting at the worst possible time,” one insider revealed. “James is the heartbeat of this team, and with Genk breathing down our necks, we can’t afford internal drama.” Rangers sit third in Group H after a mixed start, including a 2-1 home win over Malmö and a frustrating draw in Sweden. Genk, unbeaten in four, pose a stern test in Belgium’s Cegeka Arena.
This isn’t Tavernier’s first brush with social media scrutiny. Last month, he admitted feeling “ashamed” after a winless start left fans baying for change. Yet his loyalty shines through—over 500 appearances, 100+ goals from right-back, and a record as Britain’s highest-scoring defender. “I’m here to win for the badge,” he told reporters post-training. “But truth matters more than PR fluff.”
Club chiefs have downplayed the row, issuing a terse statement: “Internal matters stay internal. Focus is on Genk.” Fans, however, are divided—some praise Tavernier’s candor, others fear it’s eroding unity under manager Russell Martin.
As kick-off looms, all eyes on whether this rift fuels a fightback or fractures the Gers further. One thing’s clear: Tavernier’s not holding back—on or off the pitch.
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