Rangers fans have criticised Steven Gerrard for a major selection call he made for the Gers’ Champions League third qualifying round second leg against Malmo.
The Light Blues needed to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg but they lost the match 2-1 at Ibrox and crashed out 4-2 on aggregate.
The Swedish champions are certainly no mugs and their Croatian striker Antonio Colak took his chances well, but after starting positively, Rangers were well below par in both defence and attack.
Gerrard sprung a selection surprise before kick-off, naming Leon Balogun in his starting XI ahead of Filip Helander.
Balogun had missed the first leg through suspension and Sunday’s defeat at Dundee United with a niggle and with many seeing Helander as Goldson’s best partner, the Swede was expected to start against his old club.
However, despite his face being on the front of the matchday programme, Helander had to watch on from the bench.
Balogun did relatively well in the first half and across the 90 minutes he made multiple important clearances and tackles.
However, there was an air of freneticism about his performance and he was unconvincing around both of Malmo’s goals.
At times, Goldson looked to be frustrated by his defensive partner’s decision-making and there didn’t appear to be the same level of understanding between the pair.
Given that Balogun’s previous European outing was a disastrous one against Slavia Prague in March, many supporters were stunned that he was given the nod over Helander and criticised Gerrard on social media.
Here’s a selection of reactions:
https://twitter.com/72__J/status/1425259219956256780
Elsewhere on Tuesday night, a shock result rubbed salt into Rangers’ wound.
