Rangers players James Tavernier and Jack Butland found themselves in a heated exchange during their comeback victory over Motherwell. Although the pair celebrated with fans after securing a spot in the final, tensions flared on the pitch as the team struggled to turn the game around.
After conceding, Butland, visibly frustrated, voiced his anger toward the Rangers’ defense, particularly aiming criticism at the lack of urgency in closing down Halliday’s attack.
Joshua Barrie, editor of Rangers Review, took to social media to describe Butland’s animated response. “Motherwell lead at Hampden – Jack Butland is going crazy at his defence and understandably so,” Barrie wrote on X. “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.”
Barrie continued, highlighting Butland’s visible frustration with his teammates. “I’ve rarely seen Butland so animated after conceding,” he added. “He was furious at either full-back and understandably so. Tavernier was so, so passive, and Jefte hadn’t clocked Halliday at all.”
Television cameras later captured the tense exchange between Butland and Tavernier as the team trailed Motherwell. Both players were seen arguing on the pitch, reflecting the intensity of the moment.
Rangers ultimately rallied to secure their place in the final, where they will face rivals Celtic.