James Tavernier faces the media after Rangers’ crushing Europa League defeat to Brann

James Tavernier’s fury as Rangers captain blasts teammates after Rangers’ humiliation in Norway summed up the shambles. The captain cut a raging figure, spitting out words that dripped with disgust. His reaction, the strongest yet in his Ibrox tenure, formed the backbone of the Rangers captain blasts teammates narrative. Yet for all his anger, his words exposed his own failings too.

He branded the performance “disgraceful” and claimed it was the worst he had seen in years. He spoke about pride, fight and standards. He demanded every player show more hunger and more heart. For once, it felt like he had snapped. That pent-up frustration had finally boiled over, as Rangers fans watched their captain lose control.

But words are cheap. Rangers supporters have heard the same speeches for years. Every collapse brings more passion in front of cameras and the same passivity on the pitch. Tavernier might sound furious, yet the proof lies in what happens between the white lines.

All three goals against Brann came down his side. Time and again, he was caught too high, too wide, too slow to recover. The same...