Rangers put up a strong fight during their Europa League clash against Athletic Club, but ultimately suffered a disappointing exit in the Basque Country.
Barry Ferguson’s men faced a daunting task at San Mames, where they fell to a 2-0 defeat courtesy of goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams.
Despite being reduced to ten men in the first leg, Rangers managed to hold the Spanish side to a goalless draw at Ibrox, with Athletic dominating much of the play but failing to score.
Controversy surrounded the second leg due to a refereeing decision that has sparked debate.
Basque journalist backs referee after Rangers penalty appeal
Rangers were incensed in the first half when Cyriel Dessers appeared to be pulled back by Dani Vivian in the penalty area, resulting in a torn shirt — but no penalty was awarded.
Ally McCoist argued that, by the letter of the law, the decision should have gone in Rangers’ favour. However, the Spanish perspective differs.
Basque journalist Andoni Otxotorena defended the referee’s call on social media, stating that Vivian’s grip was minimal and unlikely to have prevented Dessers from getting to the ball. “Even if the scene looked dramatic, the call not to give a penalty was fair,” he posted on X.
Key decisions go against Rangers
Many Rangers supporters will feel aggrieved, as tight refereeing calls had a major impact across both legs.
In the first match, Robin Propper was controversially sent off and a penalty was given against Rangers at Ibrox. In the return leg, their appeal for a spot-kick was denied, and shortly after, John Souttar conceded a penalty that allowed Athletic to take the lead.
Nico Williams later sealed the result with a precise header, and Rangers couldn’t break through the home side’s solid defence.
Though Athletic Club were the stronger side overall, Rangers fans are left wondering what might have been if the penalty had been given and they had gone ahead.
With a lacklustre domestic season behind them, Rangers now face the offseason with uncertainty looming over the future of the managerial position.
