Rangers coach Danny Röhl accused of misleading claims over James Tavernier as Alex Rae reveals inside details

The controversy erupted following Rangers F.C.’s 2-1 defeat to Hibernian F.C. at Ibrox on May 13, a match many believed could have been Tavernier’s final home appearance for the club before potentially departing as a free agent this summer.

Fans were left stunned when the long-serving captain was named only among the substitutes and ultimately played no role in the match.

After the game, Röhl insisted the decision came after Tavernier allegedly indicated he did not want to be involved if he was not starting the match. The Rangers boss also claimed he had originally intended to bring the veteran right-back on later in the game.

However, Rae has now cast serious doubt over that explanation.

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, the former Rangers midfielder revealed he had received inside information from a source connected to the club that appeared to contradict Röhl’s version of events.

Rae said: “I’ve just had a text from someone kind of connected to the club saying he would not have been on the bench tonight.”

That revelation has intensified speculation surrounding Tavernier’s treatment behind the scenes and sparked further criticism of Röhl among sections of the Rangers support.

Many supporters believe Tavernier deserved a far more respectful farewell given his extraordinary contribution to the club over the years.

Despite often dividing opinion defensively, Tavernier has established himself as one of the most productive full-backs in British football history and currently holds the record as the highest-scoring defender in British football.

Throughout his time at Ibrox, the 34-year-old has consistently delivered goals, assists, and leadership, becoming one of the defining figures of the modern Rangers era.

The uncertainty surrounding his omission has also reignited debate over succession planning at right-back.

Rangers have spent several years attempting to identify a long-term replacement for Tavernier, with players such as Max Aarons and Mateusz Żukowski failing to fully convince.

Meanwhile, Dujon Sterling — another player trusted by Röhl — has struggled with persistent injury problems, leaving uncertainty over the position heading into the summer transfer window.

With tensions already growing around Röhl after a difficult run of results, the handling of Tavernier’s situation has only added further pressure on the Rangers manager ahead of what could become a pivotal summer at Ibrox.