Rangers fans react as James Tavernier struggles in surprise defeat to Kilmarnock

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Rangers supporters and Steven Gerrard suffered a huge blow in their bid to catch Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race on Wednesday evening as they lost to Kilmarnock – and fans have criticised captain James Tavernier for his performance.

Tavernier, 28, started his second league game since returning from an operation which saw him miss four consecutive Scottish Premiership matches. Renowned for his crossing, Tavernier was given plenty of opportunities to create goals for his side.

Indeed, this season, the Gers skipper has laid on 12 assists and has created a whopping 71 assists throughout his Rangers career. But on Wednesday night, he was unable to supply the crucial ball to help Rangers find the net.

Scott Arfield’s stunning strike had given Rangers the lead in the first half. Taking a touch after a short corner, Arfield lashed home an effort from the best part of 25 yards into the roof of the net. But The Gers failed to add to that lead.

Stephen O’Donnell equalised with 13 minutes left, capitalising on Rangers’ inability to find a second goal. With minutes remaining, Eamonn Brophy lashed an excellent effort past Allan McGregor after some poor Rangers defending.

The defeat was made all the worse as Celtic earned an emphatic 5-0 win over Hearts at Parkhead, and Rangers fans were fuming on Twitter after the match. Many criticised captain Tavernier for his display from right-back.

https://twitter.com/Laing1974/status/1227706738033471490

https://twitter.com/ChurchofLaudrup/status/1227706198255919106

https://twitter.com/lewdinho/status/1227729687050432512