JAMES TAVERNIER blasted an 'unacceptable' performance from Rangers as a Hampden no-show saw Celtic lift the Viaplay Cup.
Michael Beale suffered his first defeat in the dugout as a Kyogo double was enough to hand Ange Postecoglou's side the first silverware of the season.
Rangers gave themselves a faint hope with an Alfredo Morelos effort but ultimately paid the price for a lacklustre showing that deservedly left them empty-handed.
"It was an unacceptable performance from ourselves," Tavernier said. "The first half wasn’t good enough, we know that, and conceding before half-time left us more to do.
"Conceded the second one then got our goal, created another good chance but we wasted enough time in the game to react and that is the most disappointing factor.
"We know what to expect but, as a team, we have to show up on the day and I felt that we didn’t do that for large parts of the game. We all have to look in the mirror and be honest with each other.
"There is obviously a lot still to play for this season, it is our first defeat under the gaffer. But it is just the manner of getting beat today.
"You don’t want to lose to your rivals in a cup final so we have to look at this and move forward.
"I have had my words in there. I am not going to go into too much detail but we have had an honest chat and we will have an honest chat through the week.
"Emotions are running high so we will have a chat through the week."
Rangers arrived at Hampden in high spirits after an impressive run under Beale had saw them rebuild their campaign and gain some much-needed momentum.
Tavernier stressed the importance of turning that feelgood factor into a silverware success pre-match and was left to rue another Old Firm defeat under his stewardship.
Tavernier said: “It’s the first defeat we’ve had under the gaffer. We’ve been getting the results that we wanted to but there when it mattered, we didn’t get the result.
“We know there’s a lot of work to be done and we’re continuing to work hard on the training pitch. But we have to deliver every game and we couldn’t do that today.
“At Rangers Football Club, you have to win every single game. That’s the mentality. But you have to show up and we didn’t do that today.
“Now we’re going to Kilmarnock trying to get the three three points and win as many games as possible until the end of the season and see where it takes us."
