James Tavernier treatment ‘majorly unfair’ amid new Rangers controversy
Rangers captain James Tavernier has been treated extremely poorly after being dragged into a long-running saga over former Ibrox figures, according to Marvin Bartley.
Todd Cantwell tagged Tavernier in an image on social media, captioned “Suns out so is our tune James Tavernier” with a laughing emoji on 24 February.
The Englishman did so only a day after Philippe Clement was sacked as Rangers manager.
Following Clement’s dismissal, Barry Ferguson has been made manager until the end of the season.
Cantwell left Rangers following a public dispute with Clement, and his post caught the attention of Bears fans, believing it to be a thinly-veiled jab at the Belgian manager.
Marvin Bartley calls out ‘poor form’ from Todd Cantwell
Former Queen of the South manager, and current pundit Bartley took to X to voice his issues with Cantwell‘s post.
Bartley initially said: “That’s poor form from Cantwell. Head he’s a lovely lad but tagging someone in this, today of all days, isn’t fair at all. That’s majorly unfair on James Tavernier for me.”
A user then stated to Bartley that Tavernier likely shared the same thoughts as Cantwell, and that’s why the Rangers captain was tagged, with the pundit responding: “See that’s the thing, it really doesn’t.
“Like the song is a nothing song and it might have nothing to do with Clement leaving.
| 2024/25 Scottish Premiership stats | Tavernier |
| Appearances | 22 |
| Starts | 20 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Minutes | 1,818 |
“Doing it today, tagging James, causes people to question things! Even if he’s sending a message with it, don’t tag anyone else. It’s poor mate.”
Whilst Tavernier will not have to answer to Clement on the issue, Cantwell has now created a lingering sentiment that the Rangers captain is happy to see his manager gone.
The post from Cantwell may add an unnecessary complication for Tavernier. The Englishman has been out of the team at times this season, and if his new boss feels he cannot trust his captain, the right-back’s playing time may become limited again.
Rangers set for summer overhaul with new owner and new manager
Football Insider Verdict
Having been a major part of Rangers’ recent history, Tavernier seems to be in the final chapter of a monumental career.
Joining whilst the Bears were still a Championship side in 2015 from Wigan, the right-back has gone on to feature 498 time, scoring an astonishing 129 times.
With Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe leading a consortium looking to buy Rangers, Tavernier may find himself offloaded in the summer, as the ‘Gers try and rebuild a squad to be capable of challenging Celtic again.