Heartbreaking news: Barry Ferguson receive a heartbreaking contract Dismissal…
Ten-man Rangers dug in deep to keep their Europa League hopes alive with a 0-0 draw against tournament favourites Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox.
The Light Blues, who entered the game as underdogs, were reduced to 10 men fairly early on when Robin Propper was sent off for a foul on wnger Inaki Williams after just 13 minutes.
Rangers survived a number of attacking onslaughts at their goal from the away side with crucial blocks, key saves and last ditch tackles to keep their hopes alive, but it looked like fortune had gone against them in the closing minutes when Alex Bergeuner stepped up to take a controversial late penalty before being denied excellently by substitute goalkeeper Liam Kelly.
Kelly, who has been out of the team most of the season, diverted the ball over with his leg to the delight of the home crowd, in what was the highlight of an immense display in goal. Interim boss Barry Ferguson had described the decision to drop first choice shot-stopper Jack Butland as one of the ‘toughest things he had to do’ in the build-up to the game, but was ultimately fully justified with his decision with a crucial clean sheet.
Attention now turns to a Scottish Premiership league game against long-standing rivals Aberdeen before the all-mighty task of travelling to the Basque Country to face Athletic Bilbao at their home stadium on Thursday. Keeping a close eye on proceedings from now until the end of the campaign will be new owners the 49ers group, who are closing in on a takeover after prolonged discussions.
US investors Andrew Cavenagh and Gretar Steinsson were filmed entering the doors at Ibrox last night as they attended the Europa League quarter-final showdown between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao.
Sky Sports cameras captured them entering the stadium ahead of the takeover which is expected to be finalised by April. The deal will provide Marathe and Cavenagh with a 51 per cent controlling stake in RIFC plc and will result in Dave King selling his 13 per cent major shareholding.
The 49ers Group are the current owners of Championship side Leeds United and are on course to lead the team back to the promised land of the Premier League after what so far has been a successful campaign.
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