In a stunning turn of events, Rangers FC has announced that Chief Executive Officer Patrick Stewart has been suspended indefinitely from his role. The announcement comes just hours after Stewart publicly reiterated his support for under-fire manager Philippe Clement, a decision that has ignited further unrest among the club’s passionate fanbase.
The suspension marks a dramatic escalation of tensions within the club, which has been under intense scrutiny following a string of poor performances and a growing disconnect between the boardroom and the supporters.
Rangers FC in Turmoil
Rangers FC released a brief statement late on Saturday night confirming Stewart’s suspension.
“The Board of Rangers Football Club can confirm that Chief Executive Officer Patrick Stewart has been suspended indefinitely, pending an internal review. The club will make no further comment at this time.”
The news comes amid mounting frustration among Rangers supporters, who staged a mass walkout during the team’s 1-1 draw against St. Johnstone earlier in the day. Fans have been vocal in their dissatisfaction with the club’s direction, calling for sweeping changes at the highest levels.
Patrick Stewart’s Controversial Backing of Philippe Clement
Stewart’s suspension follows his comments during a pre-match press conference on Friday, where he publicly backed Philippe Clement, despite the team’s disappointing performances under his management.
“Philippe is the right man to lead this club forward,” Stewart said. “We believe in his vision and the processes he is putting in place. Changing the manager now would be the easy option, but it’s not the right one for Rangers’ long-term success.”
Stewart’s remarks were intended to signal stability, but they appear to have had the opposite effect. Fans and pundits alike questioned the timing and wisdom of his statements, given the rising pressure on Clement and the growing calls for immediate action to address the team’s struggles.
Fan Protests Reach Fever Pitch
Rangers supporters, already frustrated by the club’s inconsistent performances, responded to Stewart’s comments with outrage. Social media platforms were flooded with messages from fans demanding change, with hashtags like #SackTheBoard and #StewartOut trending nationwide.
The unrest reached a boiling point during the match against St. Johnstone at Ibrox, where thousands of fans staged a walkout in the 75th minute. Chants of “Sack the board!” and “We deserve better!” echoed throughout the stadium as supporters made their displeasure known.
Banners criticizing the club’s leadership were also prominently displayed, with one reading: “No vision, no progress, no future.”
Boardroom Power Struggles
Stewart’s suspension has fueled speculation of internal divisions within the Rangers boardroom. Sources close to the club suggest that Stewart’s handling of the Clement situation had been a point of contention among senior officials, with some favoring a change in management to appease the fans.
A high-ranking club insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the decision to suspend Stewart as a response to “a complete failure to read the room.”
“The situation was already tense, and Patrick’s public backing of Philippe only exacerbated the issue,” the source said. “There’s a feeling that his comments undermined the board’s ability to make decisive changes if needed.”
Philippe Clement’s Future in Doubt
While Stewart’s suspension dominates headlines, the spotlight remains firmly on Philippe Clement. The Belgian manager, who was appointed in October 2024, has struggled to deliver consistent results, leaving Rangers trailing in the Scottish Premiership title race and facing an early exit from the Europa League.
Despite Stewart’s show of faith, Clement’s future at the club remains uncertain. Interim CEO Alex Macpherson, appointed following Stewart’s suspension, is reportedly set to meet with Clement on Monday to discuss the team’s trajectory.
Many believe Clement’s fate will hinge on Rangers’ next few matches, starting with a crucial Scottish Premiership clash against Celtic. A poor result could force the board’s hand, regardless of Stewart’s prior endorsement.
Fan Reactions to Stewart’s Suspension
News of Stewart’s suspension has been met with mixed reactions among Rangers supporters. While some view the move as a step in the right direction, others see it as a sign of deeper issues within the club’s leadership.
Steven McDonald, a lifelong Rangers fan and season ticket holder, expressed cautious optimism.
“This is what the fans have been asking for—accountability at the top,” McDonald said. “But suspending Stewart alone won’t fix everything. The board needs to address the bigger picture.”
Others, however, were less convinced.
“It feels like a scapegoating exercise,” said Sarah MacLeod, another supporter. “The problems at Rangers go far beyond Patrick Stewart. The whole board needs to take responsibility for where we are.”
What’s Next for Rangers?
As Rangers FC grapples with this latest crisis, the focus now shifts to the immediate future. The board’s upcoming review of the club’s operations, set to begin next week, will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s direction.
In the meantime, Stewart’s suspension leaves a leadership vacuum at a critical juncture for the club. Interim CEO Alex Macpherson faces the daunting task of navigating Rangers through one of the most turbulent periods in its recent history.
Fans will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds, with many hoping that the current turmoil can pave the way for meaningful change.
Conclusion
Patrick Stewart’s indefinite suspension marks a dramatic chapter in Rangers FC’s ongoing saga. While the decision reflects the board’s acknowledgment of the growing unrest among supporters, it also underscores the challenges facing the club as it seeks to restore its stature in Scottish football.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Rangers FC is at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the coming weeks could define the club’s future for years to come.
