Rangers Eliminated from Champions League by Dynamo Kyiv

Rangers captain James Tavernier and manager Philippe Clement have criticized referee Marco Guida's decision to send off Jefte during their 2-0 Champions League qualifying defeat to Dynamo Kyiv, claiming it was a pivotal moment that affected the match outcome. Tavernier described the red card as a major error, arguing that Jefte's aerial challenge was not deserving of a second yellow card, emphasizing that it changed the dynamics of the game. Clement echoed this sentiment, labeling the decision as 'the worst' he has seen in over 30 years of football, asserting that Jefte did not commit a foul during the challenge. Despite being reduced to ten men, Rangers initially competed well but ultimately conceded two late goals, leading to a 3-1 aggregate defeat, which forced them into the Europa League instead of progressing in the Champions League. Both Tavernier and Clement expressed disappointment over the decision's impact on the team's aspirations and the fans' hopes. The controversy surrounding the officiating has sparked discussions on the effectiveness of VAR in such critical moments.