Rangers’ exit from the Champions League at the hands of Dynamo Kiev is one of the biggest talking points in British football this morning.
The Ibrox side had gone into the second leg clash at Hampden with a sense of optimism having equalised late on to bring a 1-1 draw back to Glasgow.
But after a tense first half, Rangers were reduced to 10 men when Jefte was sent off in a shocking second yellow card decision that incensed Philippe Clement come full-time.
Ex-Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor also had some choice words come the final whistle.
But as the analysis of the decision, the match itself and the circumstances surrounding Rangers continues, one ex-Republic of Ireland international has offered stark realism.
Townsend: Rangers a Europa League club
TalkSPORT pundit Andy Townsend might not have so many links to Rangers or Scottish football.
But the English-born ex-Irish international has tried to offer Rangers fans a Europa League silver lining following the club’s dramatic Champions League exit.
Rangers have come up trumps in European football’s secondary competition over the last few seasons and Townsend has suggested the same can happen again this year.
Suggesting that the Champions League is a step too far for the Ibrox side, Townsend believes that the fans need to dust themselves down and reassert their focus elsewhere.
“I don’t think Rangers were ever going to really cope in the Champions League group stages had they ever come through last night’s game and moved on,” said Townsend, speaking on TalkSPORT breakfast.
“I think they are better suited to playing in Europa League. I think that they’ve proven that. They’ve shown that in recent seasons.
“I mean, I watched that run when they played Eintracht Frankfurt in the final, and watched a lot of the games that year and they were very, very good in that.
“Yes, financially, of course, the money is very, very important to the club, but from a fans point of view in terms of what they’re witnessing, there’s nothing worse than seeing your team completely overwhelmed in the Champions League group phases and that’s been the case for Rangers a little bit whenever I’ve watched them in the Champions League.
“So if they get over the disappointment of last night, I mean the sending off is just the most ridiculous joke of a decision I think I’ve ever seen, but they’re going to have to get over that and try and bounce back in in Europa League.”
Rangers must swallow bitter Champions League pill
Whether Andy Townsend is right or not about Rangers’ Champions League credentials, the Ibrox support are going to have to accept the overriding point regardless.
The club must dust itself down and get back to business in the Europa League with the finances involved in a late stage run to the competition also a big boost.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement was clear about the positive impact Champions League qualification would have on the club’s transfer budget heading into the Dynamo Kiev tie.
Now, unfortunately, Rangers fans are going to have swallow a bitter pill heading into remainder of the season as Celtic splash the cash and the Gers rebuild on a shoestring.
The level of failure at almost every level of Rangers, from the boardroom, to the transfer market, to the football pitch, has been astonishing over the last few years.
Those now in positions of responsibility face an uphill task to turn the tide and after a stuttering pre-season Rangers fans are as apathetic as ever.
Positivity is in short supply and whilst the Ibrox club would prefer the club prioritise success on the domestic scene, the Europa League represents an opportunity this season.
