Barry Ferguson issues strong message to Rangers supporters amid James Tavernier controversy

Barry Ferguson has urged Rangers F.C. supporters not to “jump on bandwagons” amid the growing fallout involving Danny Röhl and club captain James Tavernier.

The controversy erupted after Tavernier failed to feature in Rangers’ damaging 2-1 defeat to Hibernian F.C. at Ibrox — a match many expected to be the defender’s final home appearance before his contract expires this summer.

Following the defeat, Tavernier released a statement addressing the situation after Röhl reportedly informed him prior to the match that he would not be starting against Hibs.

The decision sparked widespread debate among the Rangers support, with many fans unhappy about how the long-serving captain was treated after more than a decade at the club.

Ferguson, however, believes supporters should avoid taking extreme sides in the dispute.

While the former Rangers captain admitted the situation could have been handled more respectfully, he also defended Röhl’s authority to make difficult football decisions.

Writing in the Daily Record, Ferguson said: “People will reach their own conclusions, but I’d be careful not to jump on any bandwagons here because Tav deserves to be treated with respect after everything he’s done at Ibrox.

“Likewise, the manager needs to feel free to make some tough decisions.”

Ferguson also acknowledged growing concerns over the atmosphere surrounding the club and hinted that questions may now emerge regarding Röhl’s relationship with the dressing room.

“People will also start asking questions about the state of the relationship between Röhl and the rest of the dressing room, and yes, it doesn’t have a great feeling right now,” he added.

Reports suggest Tavernier even delayed treatment on a knee issue in the hope of making one final appearance in front of the Ibrox support, only for the emotional farewell many expected never to materialise.

As a result, his final appearance for Rangers may now stand as the painful 3-1 Old Firm defeat to Celtic F.C. at Parkhead — hardly the ending the veteran defender would have imagined.

Despite criticism from sections of the fanbase over the years, Tavernier’s legacy at Rangers remains significant.

The 34-year-old played a major role in delivering the club’s historic 55th league title and leaves as one of the most productive defenders in British football history.

Meanwhile, pressure is rapidly mounting on Röhl after Rangers’ dramatic collapse during the post-split fixtures.

Having entered the closing stages of the season viewed by many as favourites for the Scottish Premiership title, Rangers instead suffered four consecutive defeats, leading to growing scrutiny over the German manager’s tactics, team selections, and future at Ibrox.

There is now increasing concern that if results do not improve quickly next season, the toxic atmosphere developing around the club could place Röhl under even greater pressure moving forward.