Kris Boyd Slams Rangers Star After Porto Europa League Disaster

Rangers legend Kris Boyd has delivered a blistering verdict on the Ibrox squad following their humbling 3-1 defeat to FC Porto, a result that confirmed the Glasgow side’s exit from the UEFA Europa League. The performance, widely described by pundits as “shameful,” saw Rangers surrender an early lead at the Estádio do Dragão, collapsing under sustained pressure and failing to secure the points needed to advance from the single league stage.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Boyd reserved his sharpest criticism for the defensive unit, with centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez taking the brunt of his ire. The former striker was particularly scathing about Fernandez’s own goal just before half-time, which he described as effectively ending the contest. “It’s not just about the technical errors; it’s the lack of leadership and awareness,” Boyd fumed. He highlighted a catastrophic breakdown in communication during Francisco Moura’s go-ahead goal, when a collision between goalkeeper Jack Butland and a defender left the Porto forward with a simple finish.

For Boyd, the collapse was not an isolated lapse but symptomatic of a deeper malaise within the squad, which he claims has struggled to meet the “mental and cultural demands” of representing Rangers this season. The defeat leaves the club languishing in 32nd place in the overall table, a sobering contrast to their run to the final of the same competition only a few years ago.

Boyd did not spare the senior players either, suggesting several were “hiding” when the pressure mounted, and arguing that the current squad lacks the resilience required for elite European football. While the board has acknowledged recruitment mistakes under previous management, Boyd insisted the responsibility for this “unacceptable” display lies squarely with the players on the pitch.

As Rangers now turn their attention back to the domestic title race against Hearts and Celtic, Boyd’s verdict serves as a stark warning: without a wholesale shift in attitude, more European nights like this are inevitable.