Rangers legend Kris Boyd has lambasted the Gers following their 1-0 defeat against Celtic in a disappointing Old Firm derby display.

He criticised the performance as ’embarrassing’ – he used the same word to describe Light Blues fans who feel it is acceptable to be aiming to play in the Europa League as opposed to the Champions League.

It has been a difficult week for Rangers fans – not only did they suffer defeat against their bitter rivals, they were also dumped out of the Champions League qualifying stage in humiliating fashion by PSV.

What did Kris Boyd say regarding Rangers?

Speaking on Sky Sports, Boyd said [via Twitter]: “You don’t get time. You’re four points behind Celtic. Your objective was to get into the Champions League, you’re out of that and I listen to all the drivel during the week as well saying it’s better to play in the Europa. It’s embarrassing.

“There’s £20 million to Celtic again [where they’re] ahead of you, ahead of Rangers, it’s embarrassing. For anyone to come out and say at least we can go out and compete in the Europa League, give me peace.

“There was more of a positivity around Ibrox because of the two Celtic results, nothing to do with Rangers’ performances and I think that has been shown up this week.

“Embarrassed in the Netherlands on Wednesday night and you’ve got to say – embarrassed here today with Celtic maybe four or five players away from their top team.”

Is Boyd’s criticism warranted?

You would have to say that it is. Rangers have shown little signs of improvement from the previous campaign – you could even make an argument that they have regressed.

Some have even questioned the position of manager Michael Beale, with several Light Blues fans calling for his sacking [via The 4th Official on Twitter].

Celtic currently have several players out with injury – meaning that they were not even at full strength when they played Rangers, something that fans have been quick to point out.

Beale has work to do to get the fans back on his side – at the moment, it appears that his Gers career could be hanging by a thread.