JIM WHITE has told a section of the Rangers support to "pipe down" over the criticism of Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Murmurs of discontent among the club's fans have grown louder this week following a derby defeat to Celtic on Sunday, as well as last night's 1-0 loss to Braga in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
It was far from Rangers' best performance in Europe this season in north-west Portugal, but the tie is very much alive still, as the Scottish champions withstood some intense pressure from their hosts.
The talkSPORT breakfast show host played a clip of the manager speaking after last night's game, as the Dutchman pointed out that his side are capable of overcoming a one-goal deficit.
And White would send a clear message to the Gers support - who are of course also unhappy that retaining the title looks increasingly unlikely with Celtic six-points clear with six games remaining.
He said: "Many Rangers fans are not happy that van Bronckhorst is entrusted as the man to take Rangers forward.
"I think there's an element of the Rangers support needs to pipe down.
"I could understand it if it was 3/4-0 Braga, but it's not, they can still do them at Ibrox."
Ex-Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan waded in: "Yeah, of course they can. But you can't tell football fans how to support their team.
"You can't, on one hand, say that they're the most valuable asset to a football club and during Covid we missed them terribly.
"Then, when they don't agree on something or they give someone some stick, justified or not, that they should pipe down. That's the reality of the territory of football fans."
White replied: "But there's an element of them lately who have had a lot to say. Like, 'we don't need your £4million from that game in Australia against Celtic'.
"And now they're having a blast at van Bronckhorst."
Jordan came back: "That's up to people who run the football clyb to decide how they're going to run it.
"If they want to bow down to the tyranny of the minority, that's entirely up to them. If they don't want to be involved in a game in Australia, for a variety of reasons, they it might not be the only factor with fans shouting.
"Yes, I do accept the point that fans were instrumental in this.
"But on one hand we're saying 'fans are instrumental in changing the direction of football, because their views are important. Hang on, that view's not important. Keep that view to yourself'.
"You can't have that argument."
Ex-Arsenal star Martin Keown, who appears as a guest on the show every Friday, called for patience among the Gers support.
He added: "It's not time for panic. It's two defeats in a week with the Old Firm earlier.
"It's going to be difficult for them, but it's still half-time in the tie.
"This might be the way that they're successful this season.
"However, winning the Scottish Premiership this year, you get straight into the Champions League. That is a fantastic pot of gold for that team."
Jordan came back: "I don't think that's what is causing dissent in fans' minds.
"I think it's just the overall disappointment."
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