James Tavernier exit: Ianis Hagi and Leon Balogun send damning messages after Rangers star reacts on Instagram

James Tavernier spoke out on Thursday after a fall-out with Danny Rohl saw him miss out on playing for Rangers at Ibrox one final time.

The right-back stormed out and withdrew from the matchday squad just hours before Wednesday’s defeat at home to Hibernian, as he reacted angrily to being told that he would not be starting the game.

Tavernier was still present at Ibrox to receive an ovation during a presentation ahead of the game, but he missed out on the chance to lead the team out of the tunnel for one last time.

The saga surrounding the bust-up has split the Rangers fanbase in recent days, with some feeling that Rohl should’ve handled the situation better, and others questioning the captain’s reaction.

Rangers’ defeat to Hibs has ultimately been overshadowed by matters concerning their departing captain, and several of their former stars have now taken the chance to weigh in.

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Tavernier took to Instagram on Thursday, as he posted a lengthy statement which shared his side of the story from the last few days.

The veteran revealed that the issue had stemmed from an ankle injury that he picked up against Hearts, and whether or not he would take an injection in order to play on Wednesday night.

He went on to suggest that Rohl had initially agreed that he “deserved a proper send off” against Hibs, only to then find out on Tuesday that German was planning to name him among the substitutes.

Tavernier concluded his prolonged message by saying: “I want to make it clear that no individual is ever bigger than this great football club.”

His post has drawn swathes of reaction from Rangers players past and present since it was shared, and the reaction it has received from some former Ibrox heroes provides a damning look for Rohl.

Ianis Hagi commented: “It shouldn’t have ended this way… our captain,” while former Gers defender Leon Balogun added: “You deserved so much better. Everybody knows. Hall of famer, legend, our skipper.”

The inquest into who was truly at fault for the falling out is sure to continue in the coming days, but it is clear that many of Tavernier’s former teammates feel that he has been treated hugely unfairly.

Rohl’s position at Rangers has been under huge scrutiny of late, and this incident with Tavernier could undoubtedly pave the way for his departure in the coming months.

Fall-outs within the dressing room are always likely to split members of both the squad and staff, and that is the exact opposite of what Rohl needs at the moment.

The early signs suggest that he still has the backing of the club hierarchy despite the awful end to the campaign, but that could easily change if the players start to turn on him.

If the view inside the dressing room is as conistent in siding with Tavernier as those on the outside, then it is sure to spell serious trouble for the boss.

Rohl’s popularity among the group may fall through the floor in the coming weeks, and that could potentially force the owners into a decision.

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