Fans of Rangers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relays comments made by former midfielder Joey Barton on Rangers captain, James Tavernier.
Speaking to the Football CFB Podcast (via the Scottish Sun Sport), Barton claimed that the reason Tavernier is yet to make a move to a big Premier League club is because of the fact he “can’t defend for toffee”.
In reaction to Barton’s comments, which were relayed by the Scottish Sun Sport on Twitter, fans of the club have flocked to have their say, with many suggesting that the former Rangers midfielder’s remarks are rich, considering Barton was not overly successful during his period with the club and had various disciplinary issues down the years.
Do you think James Tavernier can defend?
Obviously
No, Barton has a point...
Rangers skipper Tavernier 'can't defend for toffee', says former team-mate Bartonhttps://t.co/AVhocz8CUB pic.twitter.com/3B6ce90pxN
— Scottish Sun Sport (@scotsunsport) April 22, 2020
Barton = Thug. Got found out in the city of Glasgow.
— Nodrog (@GordonMcfadyen6) April 23, 2020
Says a bully..
— Davedoo (@Davedoo6) April 22, 2020
No bother Cane Langmore @Joey7Barton pic.twitter.com/jq2BBdnEoh
— Geneva Scotland FC (@GenevaScotsFC) April 23, 2020
Tavernier isn’t very good at stubbing out cigarettes in teammates eyes either.
— Richy ?? (@RichyCD7) April 23, 2020
Oh and he was a great success
— John Bell (@bel31763481) April 23, 2020
He was a hero & a great coo for Rangers when he signed changed days
— davy (@davy16027904) April 23, 2020
What do we think?
Despite Barton’s comments on Tavernier, after looking at the £4.32million-rated right-back’s stats, we would suggest that the Rangers captain has performed extremely impressively for the club.
In 242 appearances for Rangers, the 28-year-old has scored 46 goals and provided a remarkable 74 assists, which goes without saying, is a remarkable return for a defender.
In fact, even though Barton was a midfielder in his playing days, Tavernier’s record at Rangers eclipses Barton’s goals and assists throughout the 434 appearances he made in the entirety of his career (37 goals and 35 assists).
As such, it appears that, from the Rangers fans’ comments, it would probably be wise for Barton to keep his opinion to himself on any Gers players from here on out.