Rangers 0 Slavia Prague 2 (1-3 agg): Gerrard’s nine-man Gers out of Europa League as Roofe sees red for horror tackle

RANGERS are OUT of the Europa League after defeat to Slavia Prague at Ibrox. The Light Blues headed into the clash with a slight advantage after a 1-1 draw in the Czech Republic last week. But the visitors cancelled out that crucial Filip Helander away goal inside 15 minutes thanks to Peter Olayinka’s opener. Minutes […]

RANGERS are OUT of the Europa League after defeat to Slavia Prague at Ibrox.

The Light Blues headed into the clash with a slight advantage after a 1-1 draw in the Czech Republic last week.

AFP

Slavia Prague knock Rangers out of the Europa League[/caption]

But the visitors cancelled out that crucial Filip Helander away goal inside 15 minutes thanks to Peter Olayinka’s opener.

Minutes later Ondrej Kolar made a great diving save to deny Ryan Kent at his near post as Rangers searched for an immediate response.

Morelos was inches away from bringing the hosts level just before the interval but his effort just creeped wide of the post.

Kemar Roofe was introduced 10 minutes into the second-half as Rangers went searching for a response.

AFP

Stanciu nets a stunning free-kick for the visitors to put the tie out of sight[/caption]

But the big money summer signing was handed a straight red card just SIX minutes later after kicking keeper Kolar in the FACE.

TV replays showed that the Rangers star had his eye on the ball and that it was an accidental challenge.

However, he was ultimately sent packing for endangering an opponent with Slavia’s No1 stretchered off and replaced by 18-year-old Matyas Vagner.

Things went from bad to worse for Rangers just eight minutes later when Leon Balogun was sent-off for a second-yellow card.

The Sun

Kemar Roofe was sent off for this high challenge on Kolar[/caption]

And it was double punishment as Nicolae Stanciu stepped up to score an exceptional free-kick from distance to put the tie to bed.

Victory sees Slavia Prague secure their place in Friday’s Europa League last eight draw.