Rangers fans mock Joe Rothwell after horror debut for Sheffield United
Joe Rothwell is looking to get his career back on track after heavily struggling at Rangers in the first half of the 2025-26 campaign.
The midfielder joined the Gers in the summer but was far too inconsistent with his performances.
As a result, many Rangers fans were quick to turn on Rothwell, and his importance in the side quickly diminished once Danny Rohl took charge.
Therefore, Rothwell was moved on to Sheffield United late in the winter window, bringing an end to his dire spell at Ibrox.
However, his career at the Blades could not have started in a worse fashion, as the 31-year-old was sent off during his debut against Middlesbrough as they went on to lose 2-1.
“It’s a scythe, a horrible tackle”
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 9, 2026
Joe Rothwell receives a straight red card for his tackle on Alan Browne 🟥 pic.twitter.com/v5gucAFsrZ
Rangers fans mock Joe Rothwell as he is sent off vs Middlesbrough
After signing for Sheffield United, Chris Wilder placed the midfielder on the bench as Middlesbrough visited Bramall Lane on Monday.
With the Blades losing at half-time, Rothwell was brought on at half-time and helped the hosts get a goal back.
However, his night was soon ended in disaster as he put in a reckless challenge on Alan Browne, with 10 minutes to go, taking the Boro man down without getting any of the ball, which resulted in a red card.
It was a horror challenge, with few complaints from the hosts regarding the decision.
While many of the Bramall Lane faithful were far from amused with the incident, Rangers fans found the red hilarious, as they clearly still hold a distaste for the midfielder.
Joe Rothwell 🔴🔴🔴😂😂😂😂😂😂
— GingerWhinger (@tagvart) February 9, 2026
I see Rothwell lasted 34 minutes before heading for an early bath!! 🟥
— Graeme (@Spoon_68) February 9, 2026
Rothwell getting off to a bad start at his new Club. Where have I seen that before… https://t.co/FFvriifZi8
— James (@James_HFL) February 9, 2026
Rothwell on the park for 5 minutes……red card😂😂
— GEO (@G3oRfc) February 9, 2026
Rothwell sent off on his debut for Sheffield United 😅 never change
— Big G 🇬🇧 (@RFCGW) February 9, 2026
Rothwell! Oh dear 😬.
— •DazRaskin🇬🇧🏴• (@AyeReady87) February 9, 2026
Wild from Rothwell 😂
— Alastair 🏴🇬🇧 (@ally_watp) February 9, 2026
How bad was Rothwell on his Sheffield United debut?
According to Fotmob on 9 February, Rothwell certainly had an awful game for the Blades.
On top of his red card, he didn’t win any of his ground duels and failed every dribble and long ball he attempted.
While he did manage to create a chance and complete 82 per cent of his passes, it was a night that could not have gone much worse for the midfielder.
| Joe Rothwell stats vs Middlesbrough | |
| Minutes | 35 |
| Red cards | 1 |
| Ground duels won | 0 |
| Successful dribbles | 0 |
| Long balls completed | 0 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Passing completion | 82% |
Now, the challenge will be to bounce back once he has served his suspension, as he looks to find some light at the end of a dreadful campaign to date.