Paul Merson Slams Rangers Star After Disastrous Display as Summer Exit Calls Intensify
Former Arsenal and England midfielder Paul Merson has launched a brutal assessment of one Rangers player following the club’s disappointing performance against Hibernian F.C., insisting the under-fire star should be moved on during the summer transfer window.
The latest criticism comes at a difficult moment for Rangers F.C., with frustrations continuing to grow among supporters after another painful result in a season filled with inconsistency and missed opportunities. The defeat against Hibernian only added more pressure on the squad, and Merson did not hold back when discussing the performance of defender James Tavernier.
Speaking during his post-match analysis, Merson claimed Tavernier’s display was far below the standards expected from a Rangers captain and suggested that the experienced defender has become one of the main symbols of the club’s recent struggles. According to the outspoken pundit, Rangers must make major decisions in the summer if they want to close the gap on rivals Celtic F.C..
Merson argued that Tavernier’s defensive weaknesses have repeatedly cost Rangers in crucial moments this season, including during the heated Old Firm clashes against Celtic. While the full-back has contributed goals and assists over the years, Merson believes those attacking numbers can no longer hide what he described as “costly defensive lapses” in high-pressure matches.
The former Premier League star went even further by claiming Tavernier was one of the biggest reasons Rangers failed to compete strongly against Celtic this season. He pointed to defensive errors, poor positioning, and a lack of leadership during key moments as evidence that change is urgently needed at Ibrox.
The comments immediately sparked huge debate among Rangers supporters online. Some fans agreed with Merson’s harsh assessment, arguing that the club has stayed loyal to certain players for too long despite repeated disappointments in decisive fixtures. Others defended Tavernier, highlighting his long service to the club and his consistent attacking contributions over several seasons.
Despite the criticism, there is no denying Tavernier’s importance to Rangers throughout his time in Glasgow. Since arriving at the club, he has been one of the most productive full-backs in British football, regularly contributing goals from penalties, free-kicks, and open play. However, football can be unforgiving, especially at clubs where expectations remain incredibly high.
Rangers supporters have endured another frustrating campaign watching Celtic maintain superiority domestically, and emotions are beginning to boil over as attention turns toward rebuilding the squad ahead of next season. Questions are now being asked about several senior figures within the dressing room, with Tavernier becoming one of the main talking points after the loss to Hibernian.
Merson believes Rangers need fresh leadership and a new defensive identity if they are serious about reclaiming the Scottish Premiership title. He suggested that keeping the same core group of players could lead to more disappointment next season, especially with Celtic continuing to strengthen both financially and tactically.
For Tavernier, the scrutiny will only intensify in the coming weeks as speculation over his future grows stronger. Whether Rangers decide to stand by their captain or cash in during the summer window remains to be seen, but Merson’s explosive comments have undoubtedly added fuel to an already tense atmosphere surrounding the club.
One thing is certain — after another painful setback and renewed criticism from one of football’s most outspoken pundits, the pressure at Rangers is now reaching boiling point.