Rangers may face a significant setback as they could be without a key 17-goal player for a portion of the remaining season, according to a concerning update that will worry interim manager Barry Ferguson.
Rangers Shine Under Ferguson with Victories Over Fenerbahce and Celtic
The Gers are still celebrating their dramatic 3-2 win against rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, thanks to Hamza Igamane’s late winner at Parkhead. Despite initially squandering a 2-0 lead, the victory underscores the team’s progress under Ferguson, who remains in temporary charge.
While the result may not drastically alter the title race, it highlights the positive direction Rangers are heading under Ferguson’s leadership. The interim boss has already guided the team to the Europa League quarter-finals following a penalty shootout triumph over Fenerbahce at Ibrox last Thursday. Ferguson’s success has sparked discussions about his potential appointment as the permanent manager, especially if Rangers continue their impressive run in Europe.
However, a fresh blow has emerged that could disrupt Ferguson’s plans.
Rangers Risk Losing Cerny for Up to Eight Matches
According to The Daily Record [via Ibrox News], Rangers attacker Vaclav Cerny could face a suspension of up to eight matches for squirting water at Celtic fans after Sunday’s winning goal. While the ban could be as short as two games, there is no guarantee it won’t be extended. Notably, the suspension would only apply to domestic fixtures, leaving Cerny available for Europa League matches.
Cerny has been a pivotal figure for Rangers this season, scoring 17 goals across all competitions (11 in the league and six in Europe) and providing four assists. His absence would be a major blow to Ferguson’s squad.
Former Rangers manager Philippe Clement previously praised Cerny’s contributions, stating:
"Vaclav showed a lot of composure in his moments, and it’s those moments that I want to see more and more from the team. He’s been working hard for the team and the club. He’s a player who is just in the building, and people forget that; some players need six months to adapt to a new environment. In that way, he has already done some really good things, and he will only grow in the future to become more important for the club."
What’s Next for Rangers?
Ferguson will be hoping the authorities do not impose a lengthy ban on Cerny, as his actions at Parkhead could be seen as more mischievous than malicious. However, if a suspension is enforced, other attackers will need to step up in his absence to maintain Rangers’ momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Ferguson and his team as they aim to solidify their progress and potentially secure the interim manager’s long-term future at Ibrox.
