“ZERO RESPECT TOWARDS OUR CLUB” – Annan Athletic Boss Willie Gibson Hits Back at Rangers Manager After Controversial Post-Match Comment
Annan Athletic manager Willie Gibson has launched a stinging rebuke of Rangers boss Danny Röhl following what he described as a “deeply disrespectful” post-match comment after Rangers’ emphatic 5–0 victory over Annan.
While the scoreline itself was never in dispute, it was Röhl’s words after the final whistle that ignited controversy and sent shockwaves through Scottish football’s lower leagues.
The comment that sparked outrage
Speaking to the media after the match, Röhl reportedly claimed that “if Rangers had scored fewer than five goals, it would have been a great disappointment.”
The remark immediately drew criticism, with many interpreting it as dismissive of Annan Athletic’s status, effort, and professionalism.
Willie Gibson did not hold back.
“That’s not how you speak about another club”
In a fiery response, the Annan Athletic manager accused Röhl of crossing a line.
“There was absolutely zero respect towards our club in that comment,” Gibson said.
“We came here, we competed, and we represented Annan Athletic with pride. To suggest that anything less than five goals against us would be a ‘disappointment’ is insulting.”
Gibson stressed that while Rangers’ quality was obvious, football is about respect across all levels.
“We know the size of Rangers. Everyone does. But this isn’t a training exercise, and we’re not here to make up numbers,” he added.
“Our players are professionals. They work hard. They deserve better than being spoken about like a target practice.”
Rangers dominance overshadowed
On the pitch, Rangers were ruthless, scoring five unanswered goals and controlling the match from start to finish. The gulf in quality was evident, and Röhl’s side executed their game plan efficiently.
However, what should have been a straightforward cup victory quickly became overshadowed by debate about tone, respect, and responsibility from managers of elite clubs.
Several pundits noted that while ambition and high standards are expected at Rangers, public comments should still acknowledge the opposition’s effort.
Divided reactions among fans
Reactions have been mixed.
Some Rangers supporters defended Röhl, arguing that his comment reflected internal standards rather than disrespect.
“He’s setting a bar for his players, not mocking Annan,” one fan posted.
Others, however, admitted the wording was unnecessary.
“You can demand excellence without putting another club down,” another supporter wrote.
Lower-league fans across Scotland rallied behind Annan Athletic, praising Gibson for standing up for clubs outside the top tier.
A wider debate in Scottish football
The incident has reopened a long-standing discussion about how top-flight managers speak about smaller clubs, particularly in cup competitions.
Former players and analysts have called for greater awareness, noting that such fixtures are often historic occasions for lower-league sides.
“For Annan, playing Rangers is massive,” one pundit said.
“Comments like that can come across as belittling, whether intended or not.”
No apology – yet
As of now, Rangers have not issued any clarification or apology regarding Röhl’s statement. Whether the manager will address the backlash remains to be seen.
For Willie Gibson, however, the message is clear.
“We accept defeat,” he concluded.
“But respect should never be optional in football.”
The result will stand as a dominant Rangers win, but the aftermath serves as a reminder that words off the pitch can sometimes carry as much weight as goals scored on it.
