Journalist Scott McDermott has branded Rangers fans “a disgrace” following events at Ibrox on Sunday.
The Gers suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in their history on 9 February, losing 1-0 to second-tier Queen’s Park. Philippe Clement has now become the first Rangers manager to oversee a home defeat to lower-league opposition in the Scottish Cup.
This shock result has inevitably sparked fresh doubts over Clement’s future, though he remains in charge for now.
Rangers fans vent frustration at Philippe Clement
A section of supporters made their feelings clear after the match, waiting outside Ibrox to confront Clement.
While much of what was said is unrepeatable due to its language, it was evident that those gathered did not hold back in their criticism. However, journalist McDermott believes that some fans went too far in their reaction.
“Clement is a good man and a good manager,” McDermott wrote in the Daily Record [12 February]. “Winning three league titles in Belgium – especially his success with Genk – proves he has something about him.
“And the verbal abuse he endured from furious fans as he left Ibrox on Sunday was disgraceful. Clement deserves more respect.”
What’s next for Philippe Clement at Rangers?
With no official word from the club, Clement appears set to remain in charge for Rangers’ trip to Hearts on Sunday (16 February).
However, in the bigger picture, that game has little significance. Being in a battle for second place with three months of the season left is simply unacceptable for a club of Rangers’ stature.
The prospect of winning the Scottish Cup—denying Celtic another treble—and progressing in the Europa League had given fans some hope. But now, Rangers find themselves merely going through the motions domestically, and it seems unlikely that Clement will be sacked anytime soon.
That harsh reality is something Rangers fans must accept, including those who verbally attacked the Belgian coach at Ibrox last weekend.
Whether or not their behavior crossed a line, one thing is clear—Clement’s time in Glasgow appears to be running out.
