Jack Butland sends three-word message to Rangers fans after penalty heroics
Jack Butland was the hero as Rangers edged past Fenerbahce to reach the Europa League quarter-finals.
Rangers had beaten Fenerbahce in the first-leg and had a two-goal advantage in a 3-1 win, but it took a dramatic penalty shootout to seal their place in the next round.
The second leg was just as intense as the first, but this time, Jose Mourinho’s side was the only one to find the net. A brace from Sebastian Szymanski wiped out Rangers’ advantage, forcing extra time and, eventually, penalties.
With the pressure on, Butland stepped up for Rangers, making two crucial saves as the side triumphed 3-2 in the shootout.
Speculation has surrounded the Englishman’s future at Ibrox, but his heroic display proved his importance to the team. After the match, he celebrated the win in style, sharing his joy with fans.
| Match statistics | Rangers | Fenerbahce |
| Possession | 40% | 60% |
| Shots | 23 | 21 |
| Shots on target | 9 | 3 |
| Passes | 520 | 765 |
| Fouls | 19 | 10 |
Nico Raskin and Todd Cantwell react as Jack Butland silences critics
Butland kept his message simple after his match-winning heroics, posting a series of photos from the game on Instagram with the caption: “What a night.”
Midfielder Nico Raskin showed his appreciation by liking the post, while former Rangers star Todd Cantwell directed a message to Butland in his own Instagram post, in support of the goalkeeper.
Butland has faced criticism from Rangers fans this season, particularly after costly errors—including one recently against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership, with some fans claiming he should be sold.
Despite the doubts, he has remained Rangers’ first-choice goalkeeper throughout this campaign, making 39 appearances and keeping 14 clean sheets this season.
Rangers board already planning for Barry Ferguson replacement
It was a night to remember for both Butland and interim boss Barry Ferguson, but questions remain over their long-term futures at Ibrox.
Rafa Benitez has emerged as a potential candidate for Rangers, with Ally McCoist telling Football Insider that the Spaniard would be open to a move to Scotland.
Ferguson’s position remains under scrutiny, as Rangers were initially reluctant to part ways with Philippe Clement before eventually bowing to fan pressure.
However, with Ferguson steering the club into the Europa League quarter-finals and Butland delivering on the big stage, both may have strengthened their cases to remain at the club.