James Tavanier’s farewell to Ibrox has been annulled following an alleged pre-match altercation with manager Danny Rolle. The outgoing Rangers captain was due to bid farewell to Govan supporters after 11 years at the club ahead of tonight’s final home game against Hibs. A ceremony was also planned to honor his long service alongside club legend John Greig.
However, these arrangements were reportedly scrapped after Mr Tavernier refused to attend. This follows an explosive exchange with manager Rolle, who informed the captain that he would not be in the starting XI against David Gray’s side. This infuriated Mr. Tavernier. Tavernier had arranged for his family to be present in person to witness his grand departure.
Following discussions with the manager, it is claimed that the 34-year-old spoke to his team-mates before “rushing out of Ibrox”.
This Saturday’s game against Falkirk will bring an end to the trophy-less season, but it remains unclear whether he will feature again for the club. Tavernier announced last month that he would be leaving the club he joined in 2015.
He was part of the team that led the club to elimination in the Championship in 2015, and in 2021 he captained the team to their first league title in 10 years.
He also won one Scottish Cup and one League Cup as captain, and led the team to the 2022 Europa League final.
Tavernier, who played 562 games and scored 144 goals, looks like he may have played his last game for Gers in Sunday’s Old Firm defeat to Celtic.
