By Craig Rae
Ibrox bid an emotional farewell to five players who have played key roles in the club’s recovery phase.
It was announced earlier in the week that Ryan Kent, Filip Helander, Alfredo Morelos, Scott Arfield and Allan McGregor will all leave at the end of the season and the fans had the opportunity to say goodbye after the 2-2 draw with Hearts.
The latter three all had a part to play in the match whilst the injuries to Kent and Helander meant that they had already made their final Rangers appearances.
The game started in the worst possible fashion with Lawrence Shankland breaking his goal scoring drought against Rangers by breaking the deadlock after only 5 seconds, in which he forced the ball into the net after slack defending from Leon King.
The flag was raised for offside but after a quick VAR check the striker was deemed to have held his line and the goal was awarded.
Hearts, who were still looking to secure third place had underperformed against both Old Firm sides this season and were trying to make up for it.
Rangers couldn’t really get started and it was up to the main man Todd Cantwell to provide the inspiration as he chased down a slack pass from the Hearts defender and guided the ball home for his fourth goal in as many games on the stroke of half time.
Fashion Sakala scored his second in two games at Ibrox to give Rangers the lead early in the second half after pouncing on a poor Sibbick header to score past Zander Clark.
Scott Arfield was then brought on for his final Ibrox appearance and went close on occasions, even hitting the bar as he chased one final salute.
Alfredo Morelos then took his leave of Ibrox shortly after to a standing ovation, the Colombian leaves Rangers as the club’s top European Goal Scorer and whilst he couldn’t end his time at Ibrox with a goal, will always be a cult hero in the eyes of the fans.
Unfortunately, Allan McGregor was to be robbed of one final Ibrox as a slack Ryan Jack pass allowed Hearts to equalise at the death – the result doing nothing for them as Aberdeen still finished third after their victory over St Mirren.
Beale ‘proud of Fans’
The manager has paid tribute to the leaving players throughout the week and he was impressed with the reception that the fans gave them.
“I don’t think that’s normal what happened out there after a trophy less season. The appreciation the fans showed tonight was incredible and I’m really proud of the fans. They’ve had it tough this year.”
And so, another era is over at Rangers but another is just beginning.
We have exited the recovery phase and can no longer carry around the burden of 2012, there is no excuses anymore, it’s time to dominate Scottish Football again.
