ROBBIE DEAS UNDER FIRE FOR HIS STATEMENT ABOUT RANGERS AND SPFL AFTER THE 0-3 DEFEAT AT RUGBY PARK – IT’S TERRIBLE AND PATHETIC
Kilmarnock captain Robbie Deas has defended his post-match comments following his side’s 3-0 defeat by Rangers at Rugby Park after criticism from sections of the support.
The night also saw Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell sent off in the 72nd minute after an incident in the technical area, adding to a difficult evening for the Ayrshire side.
Speaking after the match, Deas accepted his team had not performed to the required standard but highlighted the fine margins when facing one of the division’s strongest sides.
“When you play against Rangers in this league, every small mistake gets punished,” Deas said. “At this level, especially in the SPFL, you don’t get many second chances.”
While his remarks were intended to underline the standards required at the top end of the league, some supporters felt his words shifted focus away from Kilmarnock’s own shortcomings on the night.
On the pitch, Rangers were sharper in all areas. Their movement caused persistent problems for the Kilmarnock defence, while the visitors remained solid at the back and limited the hosts to very few clear opportunities.
Deas was clear that his side must take responsibility for the defeat.
“We weren’t good enough,” he added. “We gave away soft goals and against a team like Rangers, you don’t recover from that easily.”
Kettlewell’s dismissal late in the match further disrupted Kilmarnock’s attempts to regroup, though by that stage the outcome of the contest was already beyond doubt.
Despite the setback, Deas stressed the need for a swift response as Kilmarnock look ahead to their next fixtures.
“We have to learn from it quickly,” he said. “There’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves. We have to be better and make sure we put things right in the next game.”
The defeat leaves Kilmarnock looking to restore confidence, while Rangers continue to build momentum at the top end of the table.
