Rohl says his team did everything they could to beat Celtic after missing out on a place in the last four with a defeat on penalties

17:34, 08 Mar 2026Updated 22:35, 08 Mar 2026

Danny Rohl following shameful Ibrox rammy

Danny Rohl has hit back at Rangers’ mentality moans as he refused to blame his staggering squad for the missed chances that let Celtic sneak spot-kick joy at Ibrox.

The Light Blues outscored their bitter rivals 24-1 on opportunities created. But crucially, they drew a blank when it came to actually putting the ball in the net as their grim Scottish Cup final clash trudged its way through to the decisive shoot-out.

And Gers were no more clinical from 12 yards as missed penalties from skipper James Tavernier and Djedi Gassama allowed the Hoops to roar onto Hampden after four successful kicks.

The defeat means Rangers have now won just three of their last nine games and have only the Premiership title left to chase. But with his side sitting third, six points behind leaders Hearts, there are now increasing fears in the Ibrox legions that Rangers’ nerve is creaking at the vital moment.

Mikey Moore of Rangers reacts during the penalty shootout alongside Danny Rohl(Image: Getty Images)

Rohl, however, blasted back as he said: “Mentality, mentality, guys… This word should be not the topic today. I see 120 minutes, just one team who deserve to win. It’s not about mentality.

“Let’s describe it like this. After the last game, seven days ago, we felt disappointed.

“But today we saw from the first minute a team who were totally convinced to beat the opponent. I saw a team from our side to play 120 minutes like we want to. We should score.

“I think this is also, if you want, in this final two or three moments, a compliment to the defence from the other team. But when you have 24 to one shots, when you create so many great opportunities, then I must say I’m proud of my group, how we played football.

“I know football is about the result. We get nothing today again from this game. But when I take the 50 minutes last week and today, the 120 minutes, then I see a lot of positive things.”

While Rohl will point to the chances created, most of them were speculative effort from distance.

They did come up with a couple of big openings – including a goal-bound Manny Fernandez header which slammed against team-mate Nasser Djiga.

Fernandez had a goal ruled out in injury time before Youssef Chermiti dragged a golden opportunity wide that would have spared his side their spot-kick anguish.

Rangers’ Youssef Chermiti reacts to a missed chance

Rohl added: “I think when you have 24 shots, then you can speak how many shots we had on target. There was a big header. I think it was a good example.

“We made the header and our own player cleared on the line for them. I think in the extra time there was a big save.

“We passed the goalkeeper from then, but there was a defender on the line. I couldn’t see this today by Celtic.

“I’m not sure, it was one shot from them. But football is about results. I can bring you now all these things. I know this. But I can’t blame my team today for this performance in any single minute.”

Tomas Cvancara’s winning penalty sparked scenes of joy in the Broomloan Road away end – before chaos ensued as both sets of supporters swarmed the pitch.

Police and stewards did well to prevent a full scale riot but Rohl missed most of the disgraceful episode having quickly made for the dressing rooms.

He said: “I’m being honest, I was not on the pitch in this moment. I didn’t see it until now.

“I heard just that there was something on the pitch. I think we all know the emotional situation after a game. Nobody likes to see this.

“I think it was a great atmosphere, 120 minutes. I think it should be like this. All the other things should not be in the stadium or around football.”