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      Rangers star sprays Celtic fans with water as supporters PUNCH away dugout in rage as cops forced to get involved

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      VACLAV CERNY sprayed a bunch of Celtic fans with WATER as he celebrated Hamza Igamane’s dramatic winning goal, leading to a furious reaction from the crowd and some supporters PUNCHING the away dugout.Rangers claimed a stunning three points at Parkhead thanks to goals from Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande and Igamane late on.Video footage shows water being squirted at some home supportersCredit: SKY SPORTSIt happened behind the back of Rangers boss Barry FergusonCredit: SKY SPORTSCeltic fans reacted with fury and some punched the away dugoutCredit: SKY SPORTSBarry Ferguson’s side took a 2-0 lead into the half-time break thanks to goals from Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande.But Celtic responded almost immediately after the restart when Daizen Maeda headed home.Brendan Rodgers’ men began to gain more of a foothold in the game, and Reo Hatate levelled things up with just over 15 minutes remaining.And while it looked like the momentum as with the home side as Rangers tired following their exhausting Europa League penalty shootout exploits, the Light Blues found a second wind and it allowed Igamane to capitalise on a slip from Alistair Johnston and a mistake from Cameron Carter-Vickers to smash the ball into the top corner of Kasper Schmeichel’s net.But those celebrations took a turn when Cerny, who had been subbed by this point, ran along the touchline and appeared to aim his water bottle at the supporters in the front rows of the main stand.Video footage shows several fans flinching and then as the players tried to sit back down, some of those in the crowd began attacking the visiting team’s dugout shelter in retaliation.Nedim Bajrami also joined in with the antics and the commotion forced cops inside the ground into action.A group of officers rushed to separate the fans from the dugout to prevent an escalation of affairs.Most read in FootballInterim boss Ferguson was asked about the fracas after the full-time and admitted he didn’t see the extent of what happened.He said: “I was just concentrating on celebrating, I didn’t see the incident to be honest.”Rangers ultras barred from Celtic ParkFerguson himself ran someway up the touchline before stopping, picking up a ball and kissing it.It was the first Old Firm derby fixture in the league to have away fans present since 2023, with around 2,400 visiting supporters present at Celtic Park.But after being held outside the stadium for over two hours a large number of the Union Bears fan group were turned away before kick-off and BARRED from entering the ground.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Celtic 2 Rangers 3: Ferguson’s Gers are UNRECOGNISABLE from Clement’s flops as he makes job pitch

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      CAN you see a difference now, Brendan?Because there it was, out there at Celtic Park in an Old Firm derby, staring you in the face.Hamza Igamane dcelebrates his stunning late winnerCredit: GettyBarry Ferguson shows his delight at full-timeCredit: ReutersMo Diamonde marks his goal with ‘gun’ celebrationCredit: Willie VassNicolas Raskin laps up his early openerCredit: PAThe Celtic boss may have thought the Barry Ferguson Rangers had all the same hallmarks as the one Philippe Clement left behind.But the truth is, it’s unrecognisable.After this humbling defeat, the Celtic boss must accept that now.Clement, of course, enjoyed a 3-0 derby triumph at Ibrox back in January and that didn’t do him any good in the long run.But you now wonder if the manner of this sensational result can propel Ferguson into the dugout for keeps as his full-time replacement.Incoming take-over supremo Andrew Cavenagh was at Celtic Park to see all this unfold, as he was at Ibrox last Thursday night to see Fenerbahce sent packing.The smart money has always been on the US investors bringing in their own man when they get hold of the keys to Ibrox.But never-say-die results like these cannot be ignored.Most read in FootballCeltic showed spirit of their own to fight back from being 2-0 down to make it 2-2.But the last gasp drama belonged to the visitors who claimed the three points in some style.Hamza Igamane’s wonder strike in the dying minutes of normal time showed that Ferguson’s team don’t give up.There was controversy when that goal went in, ugly scenes after Rangers subs Vaclac Cerny and Nedim Bajrami squirted their water bottles into the Celtic supporters as they sprinted up the touchline to celebrate.That sparked real anger with irate fans punching the away dugout with cops rushing to the scene.But when the dust settled, the frustration of the vast majority of Celtic fans will come from the way their heroes allowed this game to slip away after they battled their way back into it.Ferguson epitomised EVERYTHING that was good about Rangers yesterday.The club’s one-time captain couldn’t have put any more into the game had he been out on the park in his old No6 jersey.Reo Hatate celebrates after equalisingCredit: PADaizen Maeda had got Celtic back into the gameCredit: Willie VassAt times, you questioned if he was too worked up and too hyper with referee Steven McLean booking him in the first-half.But the men in light blue mirrored that passion and pride in the shirt.The 2400 away supporters probably didn’t expect such a dynamic performance.Just as Rodgers couldn’t have seen this coming either.His men have been outstanding this season and will rightly lift their latest title in the next few weeks.They’ve been far and away the best team in the country.But that must have made this all the more galling.Nico Raskin’s goal to make it 1-0 after only four was a flicked header from a corner which caught every one of his defenders sleeping.But the second strike from Diomande?Wow, the space he was allowed inside the box was criminal from the champions’ point of view.Celtic did have efforts themselves before get break – Reo Hatate bringing out the best in Jack Butland with a shot from distance, with the ex-England No1 also denying Maik Nawrocki.But overall Rangers were well worth their two-goal lead.It should have been better, though.The opportunity Cerny had to score into an open goal on 16 minutes was massive.Kasper Schmeichel literally passed straight to him and was out of his box.But when the chance came, he just didn’t trust his right foot and chose to dribble forward when all he had to do was hit he unguarded target.At this level, that’s not good enough.But that’s the message Rodgers would have been given his side at the interval.That what they were showing was nowhere near what was required.He knew he had to change his line-up, though.The Celts boss recognised he wasn’t getting enough from winger Nicolas Kuhn, who was miles off it, and wasted no time in taking him off and replacing him with Adam Idah.It was decisive, pro-active management when the team needed it most.The switch saw Maeda shifted from striker to left winger and suddenly there was a whole new look to the Celtic team.Scoring within two minutes of the restart altered the mood around the stadium and turned the anxiety of the home support into belief.Jota did brillianly to set it up with the Japanese frontman out jumping James Tavernier to nod home at the back stick.It was at that point Ferguson realised he had to do something himself to help his own players.His back-five briefly became a back-four until he took Leon Balogun off and replaced him with Robin Propper. Tavernier was then moved into the right of midfield with Dujon Sterling asked to do a job in central defence.With their tails up, Celtic were a different team.It felt inevitable they’d get the next goal and level the game and the equaliser arrived in 74 minutes.It was also no real surprise it came down Rangers’ left channel that Propper was meant to be protecting.But what a finish from Hatate to beat Butland after Luke McCowan slid him in.At that point it felt certain would go on and win.They had time on their side with Rangers looking physically exhausted going into the closing stages.But Ferguson’s side had different ideas.Igamane had plenty to do after a rare mistake at the back from Cameron Carter-Vickers. But it didn’t look that way.,READ MORE SUN STORIESHis shot flew into the roof of the net to have the away fans wild behind the one they stood behind.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Rangers star hit speeds of 100mph in motorway police chase where he tailgated cop car

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      RANGERS star Rabbi Matondo hit speeds of over 100mph as cops chased him to Ibrox — after he had tailgated their unmarked motor.The Welsh winger, 24, also weaved in and out of traffic on Glasgow’s M8 and ran a red light as he rushed to training.Rabbi Matondo was slapped with a driving banMatondo was driving an Audi Q8 at the timeCredit: GettyHe was clocked on the M8He was hit with a year’s road ban and fined after being convicted of dangerous driving.But cops didn’t try to keep up with Rangers ace Rabbi Matondo’s car during a 100mph dash to Ibrox — in case he lost control and killed someone, a court heard.A traffic constable told how he feared “a fatality” if he tried to match the high speeds hit by the winger, 24, as he raced to a public training session.Officers finally caught up with the footie ace at the Rangers stadium, where they marched in through the players’ entrance to charge him with dangerous driving.And the Welsh international was hit with a 12-month driving ban after being convicted of the offence at Glasgow Sheriff Court.PC James Bowie told how he was with a colleague in an unmarked police motor on the M8 when they were tailgated by Matondo’s Audi Q8 on the city’s Kingston Bridge.Dashcam footage showed the powerful SUV speeding off, sparking a pursuit on August 1, 2023. The Light Blues forward was then seen undertaking an HGV and running a red light as he left the cops in his wake.Most read in FootballPC Bowie said they “never went anywhere near” his car despite reaching 80mph.He explained: “I knew it was a nice big Audi Q8. But I thought that if he loses control at 100 miles per hour there is a possibility of a fatality.”Former Sky Sports pundit and Rangers striker Andy Gray’s foul-mouthed rant at Jose MourinhoWhen the officers eventually got to interview Matondo, they said he was “remorseful”.Defence lawyer Ronnie Simpson said the officers’ report stated the player’s average speed was 72mph on a 50mph stretch.PC Bowie replied: “That’s an average between distances.“In among that the speed was in excess of 100mph.”He was also asked why he charged Matondo with dangerous driving rather than hand him a fixed penalty notice.PC Bowie said there were “other elements” to his driving, and it was a “course of conduct”.The cop added: “In my opinion, he seemed remorseful and his attitude was pretty good.“He understood what we were explaining and seemed to accept why we were there.”Mr Simpson said: “He was a young man running late to his work — and he didn’t want to let his colleagues down.”But Sheriff Mary Shields found Matondo — currently on loan at German side Hannover 96 — guilty of dangerous driving.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe first offender was handed a year’s road ban and £420 fine.The law chief said: “I think overwhelmingly the way in which Mr Matondo drove the Audi car over the distance shown on CCTV is obviously far below what is expected of a driver.”Matondo at Glasgow Sheriff Court where he given a 12 month ban and fined £420Credit: Spindrift More

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      Rangers takeover deal with US investors AGREED in principle

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      A DEAL has been agreed in principle between Rangers and the American consortium who want to take over the club.Paraag Marathe of 49ers Enterprises, the business arm of the San Francisco 49ers, has been engaged in talks with Ibrox power brokers for some time now over potential investment, working alongside insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh.Marathe and the 49ers also own Leeds United but with the EFL and the SFA unlikely to stand in their way, a deal for them to complete a stunning takeover of the Glasgow giants has been agreed.Cavenagh is chairman of health firm ParetoHealth and he and Marathe are aiming to acquire a controlling stake in Gers, of around 51 per cent.It’s understood that all parties are confident the deal will be agreed before the start of the new season.All that remains now is for due diligence to take place and legal paperwork to be drafted up, though the SFA and EFL consent will be required to rubber-stamp any proposal.Current Gers shareholders Dave King and John Bennett have already agreed to sell up with a view to welcoming the Americans on board.Fellow directors Douglas Park, George Taylor, Stuart Gibson, Julian Wolhardt and John Halsted could all be convinced to sell their shares too.Halsted and non-executive director Alastair Johnston have ties to the US and they have been crucial in talks getting to this stage.Marathe has been with the NFL giants for 24 years and has a close relationship with its billionaire chief, Jed York.Most read in FootballThe franchise was valued at around $6billion by Forbes recently and has won five Super Bowl titles in its history.The last of those wins came prior to Marathe’s involvement but the team has reached the Super Bowl three times since he has been a key decision maker.Rangers and Celtic fans react to news away fans are BACK at Old Firm gamesWho owns Rangers? As the San Francisco 49ers pursue potential investment in Rangers, SunSport looks at who own the biggest blocks of shares at IbroxDave King 12.96% Borita Investments & Perron Investment (owned by directors Julian Wolhardt and John Halsted) 12.69%Douglas Park 11.54%George Taylor 10.22% Stuart Gibson 9.53%John Bennett 7.11%Due to Marathe’s involvement with Leeds, some fans feared that Rangers would become a feeder club for the Elland Road side – particularly as they look nailed-on to return to the Premier League from the Championship after this season.But Marathe broke his silence recently and was adamant that would never be the case.Indeed, it’s believed Rangers bring to the table something that Leeds are unlikely to offer in the short-term – a route to the Champions League.Discussions have also taken place regarding further investment down the line, which would be dependent on success in Europe and a reinvigorated player trading model.The lowdown: San Francisco 49ersGeorge Kittle, one of the stars of the San Francisco 49ersFoundation: The San Francisco 49ers were established in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) before joining the National Football League (NFL) in 1949.Name origin: The team is named after the prospectors who flocked to Northern California during the 1849 Gold Rush in search of fortune.Team colours: The 49ers’ official team colours are red, gold, and white, symbolising the region’s rich history tied to the Gold Rush.Home stadium: Since 2014, the team has played its home games at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, which is located about 40 miles south of San Francisco.Championship success: The 49ers have won five Super Bowl titles (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, and 1994), making them one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.Notable players: Legendary players include quarterback Joe Montana, wide receiver Jerry Rice, safety Ronnie Lott, and quarterback Steve Young, all of whom are Hall of Fame inductees.Coaching legacy: Head coach Bill Walsh, who led the team to three Super Bowl victories, is credited with pioneering the “West Coast Offence,” a revolutionary passing-focused strategy.Rivalries: The 49ers have fierce rivalries with teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.Ownership: The team is owned by the York family, with Jed York serving as CEO. The franchise was originally owned by Tony Morabito, one of its founders.Cultural impact: The 49ers are a symbol of Bay Area pride and have a dedicated fanbase known as the “Faithful.” The team has also been featured in various films, books, and media, cementing its place in American sporting culture.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Celtic and Rangers away fan lockout officially OVER as Old Firm ticket deal thrashed out and allocations revealed

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      AWAY fans are officially BACK at Old Firm matches – starting with next month’s derby at Celtic Park.SunSport told you first how a major breakthrough had been made in negotiations between Celtic and Rangers to resolve the frustrating fan lockout which had been in place for two years.Nico Raskin pleads with the supporters after Arne Engels is struck by an objectCredit: Kenny RamsayRangers and Celtic fans during a derby match Celtic ParkCredit: PAThe dispute dates back to 2018 when Gers reduced the away allocation for all visiting fans – including Celtic.Coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic around 700 away supporters were allowed to attend games at Ibrox and Celtic Park.But this fell apart after nasty scenes during the New Year’s clash of 2023, with Celtic citing fears over fan safety as their reason for refusing future allocations.Rangers also highlighted negative experiences for their fans at Parkhead and both sides have struggled to agree on a solution ever since.The SPFL stepped in last season to demand that the two Glasgow rivals end their feud over access to visiting supporters.An agreement was reached to allow a five per-cent away allocation at each venue, starting this campaign.But the freeze on away fans continued after Celtic wrote to Rangers ahead of the first derby fixture of the current season to say they would NOT be welcoming travelling supporters for the September 1 match at Parkhead.Celtic had spent a six-figure sum on planning for Rangers’ visit but they claimed the Ibrox club hadn’t done the same on their end.Most read in FootballOf course, at that time, the Light Blues were still playing out of Hampden after delays forced them to up sticks from Ibrox for several weeks to start the season.Gers responded to the fall out and said they had been “taking all steps” towards the agreement, and returned the favour for the next derby at Ibrox by saying no Celtic fans would be allowed in.Rating Barry Ferguson’s chances of landing Rangers manager job long-termBut after constructive talks involving all parties, the March 16 meeting between the sides WILL see away fans welcomed back.Rangers will then reciprocate in the post-split fixture at Ibrox.Celtic wrote: “We can confirm that following the previous SPFL determination from last year and with necessary requirements being addressed, away supporters will be present at the next two Glasgow derby matches this season at Celtic Park (March 16) and Ibrox.”Allocations will be around 4% of saleable capacity at both stadia”Further ticket information will be provided in due course.”The Ibrox club said: “Rangers supporters will be able to attend our match with Celtic on March 16, with the two clubs agreeing for a reciprocal percentage of tickets to be allocated to away fans.”Approximately four per-cent of saleable capacity at both stadia will be given to the visiting club, with everyone at Rangers looking forward to having the backing of our supporters in the East End of Glasgow in just over a fortnight’s time. Celtic fans will have around 4% of the saleable tickets at IbroxCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowThere will be the ‘European’ allocation of Rangers fans at Celtic Park next monthCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow”The arrangement will then be repeated for the Old Firm derby at Ibrox following the split.”Specific ticketing information will be communicated to eligible supporters in due course.”Interim Rangers boss Barry Ferguson said: “I’ve always said it’s something that the fixture has missed. In an ideal situation it would be great if there was more. But the way it is, the way it’s happened, the number of tickets we’re getting, I’m just glad away supporters are allowed back.Asked specifically about a return to the days of 7,500 away fans at either venue, Ferguson said: “At this moment in time I’m just happy that the fans are back. In time, we’ll see but it’s a start.”Defender Robin Propper said: “It is beautiful that we have fans with us to cheer us on against Celtic.”Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is another man who is relishing the return – and hoping that a return to the 7,500 allocations is just around the corner. He said: “It’s a big part of the fixture, having been involved in it with the supporters there both when they’re away and then obviously them being taken away.”It does make a difference, It is great for the game, it is great for the spectacle of the game and obviously ultimately for the supporters, they get their chance to see their team which is great. “We just had to get supporters back in the stadiums again, that is the start point. Then hopefully it can get somewhere near to what we had before because that created an amazing atmosphere. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Football as we know is about the rivalry and there’s arguably no greater rivalry than Celtic vs Rangers in world football. There’s many great derbies but this is an exceptional one and it’s just good to have both sets of supporters in. It always adds to the spectacle.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Scottish Premiership club’s ‘astoundingly good-looking’ matchday food divides fans – ‘It’s not a kids’ tea party’

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      GONE are the days of spearmint chewing gum and macaroon bars served from trays around the terraces.Instead there’s scalding hot Bovril and a steak or scoth pie that’s stuck to the foil – food at the football can get a bad rap sometimes.Bovril is the traditional drink for Scottish football fansKillie Pies are also highly regarded in the football snack worldCredit: Willie VassThe 25th world pie championships were launched at Hampden earlier this year with Sunsport’s Killie legend Kris BoydCredit: John Kirkby – Commissioned by The SunNot the famous Killie pie though.The Ayrshire delight is renowned as one of the best in the SPFL – and is held in such high regard it’s sold in shops far away from Rugby Park.But the Killie Pie appears to have a rival as clubs come up with alternative culinary delights to replace the staple diet of Saturday afternoons at Scottish football.An internal rival no less. And one that has been hailed a sweet success.Well, with some fans at least.To others, what’s being served up in Kilmarnock’s family stand simply isn’t to their taste.The dish has been profiled by popular social media account ‘Footy Scran’.Most read in FootballIt highlights the best – and worst – of stadium snacks.And 70 percent – more than 1500 X.com users – dubbed the dish of donuts, marshmallows and cream topped with Nutella ‘Scran’.PIzza boss dedicated pie to famous Tartan Army duo in ItalyIt featured on the site hours after Derek McInnes’ side faced Rangers on Wednesday night and costs £5.50.It’s certainly different from a pie and bovril and one fan admitted: “I’m tempted to sit in the Killie end just for this.”Another said: “Astoundingly good looking; scran and pass the insulin pen.”A third joked: “Needs to be paired with the doner kebab pie.”Kilmarnock’s dish of donuts and sweet treats was popular with online fansCredit: X.COM/FOOTYSCRANBut it was maybe not one for the football purists who seemed to prefer a more traditional snack.One replied: “It’s supposed to be a football match, not a kids tea party!”Another cried: “Get in the bin. What is this – a hen night in Benidorm?”And one Killie fan was on hand to explain: “Should be noted for context that this dish is only available in the Family stand – which is home fans only. “None of the other three stands have anything just as sweet as this. It’s served from a food truck which is sited within the kids fun zone below the rake of the Moffat stand.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football pageREAD MORE SUN STORIES More

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      Rangers announce Barry Ferguson as new head coach and name his four-man coaching team including THREE club legends

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      RANGERS have appointed club legend Barry Ferguson as head coach until the end of the season.And he will be assisted by a trio of Ibrox heroes.Barry Ferguson has been revealed as the new head coach at RangersCredit: Scottish News and SportFerguson’s previous experience includes stints at Clyde, Kelty Hearts and AlloaCredit: The SunFerguson will be assisted by three of his former team mates at IbroxCredit: PA:Press AssociationSunSport broke the news as Gers made the move to sack Philippe Clement last night after a tumultuous 16 months in charge.As the board search for a long-term replacement, an interim manager was needed for the meantime.Ferguson, 47, is a Rangers icon having formerly been club captain and winning loads of major trophies.But this is his first coaching gig since 2022.The former Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa boss will be joined in the dugout by current Gers No2 Issame Charai plus ex-players Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor.The statement read: “Rangers Football Club can today announce Hall of Fame member and former club captain, Barry Ferguson, is to become Head Coach of our men’s first team until the end of the season.”Ferguson, who won five league titles, five Scottish Cups and five League Cups across two spells at Ibrox, will be joined by coaches Issame Charai, Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor.”As confirmed yesterday, Philippe Clement is leaving the club. In addition, Alex Rae, Colin Stewart and Stephan van der Heyden are also departing. Rangers FC would like to thank Philippe, Alex, Colin and Stephan for their contribution and commitment. They will always be welcome at the club.Most read in Football”Brian Gilmour will remain with Rangers to continue to bridge the gap between the academy and the first-team.”The ongoing football review will continue, and a new, permanent manager will be appointed in the coming months.”San Francisco 49ers supremo leads on Rangers takeoverRangers CEO, Patrick Stewart, commented: “Philippe and his team have worked tirelessly during their time in at the club and have played an important role in developing the first team’s young players.“I want to reiterate, the issues we are facing run deeper than the manager. The ongoing football review seeks to address those issues, and we will continue to implement its findings in the coming weeks and months ahead of appointing a new, permanent manager.“When I spoke to RangersTV last week, I was clear that everyone is judged on results, and nobody will get unlimited time in any role at the club. Ultimately, the team’s response following their early exit from the Scottish Cup was a cause for deep concern, leading the board to conclude that action had to be taken now.“I want to wish Philippe every success in the future. He is a fine man whom I have enjoyed working with in my short time here so far.“I also want to welcome Barry back to the club. We appreciate him and his team stepping into the role at this difficult time. Myself, the board and the executive team will give them our full support for the rest of the campaign.”Issame Charai will keep his place in the dugout despite Philippe Clement’s departureCredit: AlamyMcCann and Dodds have both been managers in their own right since hanging up their boots.McGregor has been living a quiet life (mostly playing golf) since his retirement.All four were in the Rangers squad during the season club won its 50th league title in 2002-03, though Dodds left midway through the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESCharai only joined the club last month as a replacement for Andries Ulderink as Clement’s assistant.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Russell Martin in frame for Rangers job with ex-Ibrox star viewed as serious contender by influential boardroom figures

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      RANGERS have confirmed Philippe Clement has been sacked after 16 months in the job.Now we can reveal a former Gers defender is one of the names in the frame to take over.Russell Martin is in the frame for the Rangers jobCredit: ReutersHe had a spell at Rangers as a playerCredit: PA:Press AssociationPhilippe Clement has been sackedCredit: GettySunSport were first to break the news on Sunday afternoon that the Belgian was on his way out of Ibrox.Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to St Mirren was the final straw for directors with Clement finally told his time was up by chief executive Patrick Stewart.We can now reveal former defender Russell Martin is one of the names in the frame to take over.The ex-Southampton boss is currently out of work and it’s understood he’s regarded as a serious contender by influential boardroom figures who are involved in the ongoing takeover talks with US investors.READ MORE RANGERS STORIESThe bookies have installed Steven Gerrard as the favourite to make a sensational return.But it’s believed the Liverpool legend – who guided Gers to the Premiership title in 2021 – may not believe the time is right.The likelihood is that Ibrox chiefs will name a caretaker boss for Wednesday’s league clash with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.Under-18s coach Kevin Thomson and Clement’s No2 Issame Charai are distinct possibilities. The Daily Record have also named former Ger Barry Ferguson as another potential short-term candidate.Most read in FootballClement was informed of the club’s decision following behind-the-scenes talks throughout Saturday night and yesterday.A statement released by the club last night confirmed: “Rangers Football club can confirm it has tonight parted company with men’s first-team manager, Philippe Clement. The FIVE big questions around Rangers’ stunning takeover talks answered by SunSport“The club would like to put on record their sincere thanks to Philippe for his hard work and dedication during his spell in charge. “A further update from the club will follow in due course.”Gers will now be obliged to pay out a hefty severance deal to the 50 year-old Belgian and his backroom staff.The club handed Clement a bumper new deal last August which meant he was due a big money pay-off if he was sacked.The current board were hoping to avoid wielding the axe. But a decision was made yesterday to part ways with Clement with fans demanding he was shown the door.He survived after Gers crashed out of the Scottish Cup to Queen’s Park.But Clement himself admitted the performance in the weekend defeat to St Mirren was an even worse display.Asked about his future following that latest defeat – which has Gers 13 points behind rivals Celtic – he said: “Those are things the board needs to decide. “In the end, I believe these players want to do the right things.“I believe I can get results with these players. “But I am also very disappointed with what we showed today – and I am responsible for that.“Today was by far not the performance that we have seen in the past. “It was by far the worst performance from my time here.“It’s terribly disappointing, because we were so nervous on the ball and in the duels, in everything.“I don’t know where it’s coming from. “That’s my frustration and it’s also my responsibility to put a team on the pitch with the right mindset.“I didn’t see this one coming, this nervousness, everyone below par, almost all game.“There were a few better spells, but by far we were not what Rangers should be.“I saw the team drifting apart in islands. “That’s not been the case in the past, when we’ve had difficult moments and gone behind we have reacted as a team.“Today, it was reacting one on one and not as a team. “Then we don’t play the football we need to play and it’s a bad performance “Leadership is an important one, but leadership is also a collective one.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the first place it’s my responsibility.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More