GIOVANNI van Bronckhorst reportedly clashed with senior Rangers players in pre-season, it has been claimed.

It's alleged the former Rangers boss rowed with senior pros during a pre-season trip to the Algarve.

The Athletic report that Van Bronckhorst was involved in a disagreement on the final day of the trip to Portugal.

It's claimed that the row began with Van Bronckhorst and a number of players after squad members allegedly drank more alcohol than permitted.

However, it's suggested that the disagreement was not to the level which would cause "lasting damage".

But the report does go on to reveal people close to the Rangers players had doubts over whether the behaviour would have happened under previous regimes at Ibrox.

Van Bronckhorst was dismissed by Rangers with the club nine points behind Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.

And in a statement confirming Van Bronckhorst's departure, unacceptable results and performances were cited as the reason for his sacking.

A club statement read: "Rangers Football Club confirms today it has parted company with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

"The board would like to put on record sincere thanks to Gio for all his efforts since his appointment as manager.

"Arriving at the club just over a year ago, Gio led the club to a fifth European final and won the Scottish Cup last May. He also led the team to the club’s first Champions League qualification in 12 years.

"Unfortunately, results and performances over recent months haven’t met expectations and the decision was made today by the board to terminate the contract of the manager.

"The search for the new manager is now underway."

Rangers chairman Douglas Park added: “I want to thank Gio for the hard work he has put in over the last 12 months and, especially, the achievements of taking the club to the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup last season.

“Unfortunately, recent results have not met neither our nor Gio’s expectations, and we have taken this difficult decision today. Everyone at Rangers wishes Gio every success in the future.”

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