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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Moment Rangers pair Tavernier & Butland clash in heated Hampden exchange

Rangers duo James Tavernier and Jack Butland were celebrating come full-time in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Motherwell - but clashed during the comeback victory.

The Ibrox pair saluted supporters after Philippe Clement's side came back from a goal down to claim their spot in the final of the competition - where they will face Celtic at Hampden.

However, in the first half, Tavernier and Butland were seen in a heated exchange on the pitch.

Rangers fell behind to Motherwell after 25 minutes with former Ibrox midfielder Andy Halliday ghosting in at the back post to fire home from close range.

Butland was animated after conceding as he fumed at the defending of his box after Halliday was allowed to poke home to send Motherwell into the lead.

Detailing the furious reaction from Butland, Rangers Review editor Joshua Barrie posted on X: "Motherwell lead at Hampden - Jack Butland is going crazy at his defence and understandably so. Tavernier is far too slow to close down a cross on the right and Halliday steals between Balogun and Jefte, who switched off completely, to finish. Disaster for the Rangers defence.


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"I've rarely seen Butland so animated after conceding but he was furious at either full-back and understandably so. Tavernier was so, so passive and Jefte hadn't clocked Halliday at all."

TV cameras would then pick up on an exchange between Butland and Tavernier while Rangers were trailing.

The duo could be seen arguing on the pitch with Rangers down 1-0 to Motherwell.

(Image: PA / Andrew Milligan) Rangers would, however, come back to win at Hampden courtesy of a second-half comeback.

Cyriel Dessers - who had missed a glaring opportunity in the first period - slotted home shortly after the restart to restore parity in Glasgow.

Then, in the closing stages, Nedim Bajrami found a winner for Rangers. The summer signing was picked out by Vaclav Cerny and squeezed the ball home with nine minutes remaining.

Rangers captain Tavernier was subbed off with the scores level at 1-1 after 67 minutes as he was replaced by Dujon Sterling.

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