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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Ex-Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst rejects new job

Former Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has rejected the chance to return to management by turning down an offer from struggling Utrecht.

The Dutch coach was sacked from the Ibrox club last November after falling nine points behind Celtic and a disastrous Champions League campaign that set unwanted records after six defeats.

But he led Rangers to a Europa League Final and a Scottish Cup success the previous season.

Van Bronckhorst revealed last month he had turned down an offer to join the footballing exodus to Saudi Arabia.

And he was set to be offered the chance of taking charge of Utrecht, who axed manager Michael Silberbauer last week after a disastrous start to the Eredivisie.

But the former Ibrox and Feyenoord boss has made clear he is only interested in managing in Europe and not in his homeland again.

Van Bronckhorst said: "My ambition at the moment is not to manage in the Netherlands, but abroad.

"I will say that I found the decision to sack Michael Silberbauer so early in the season after just three league games very odd.

"Everyone at the club has to take responsibility, the players especially.

"But it seems to me far too soon to be sacking a coach at this stage of the season."

Meanwhile, Ally McCoist has branded Don Robertson's decision to rule out Kemar Roofe's goal during yesterday's Old Firm match as "appalling".

The referee initially allowed the goal to stand, however, a short while later was advised by VAR to check for a potential foul in the build-up.

Cyriel Dessers dispossessed Gustaf Lagerbielke deep inside Celtic territory. The Rangers striker broke clear with the ball before playing in Roofe, who slammed home to send the packed Ibrox crowd wild.

VAR Alan Muir called Robertson over to the pitchside monitor. As is normally the case, the on-field official changed his mind, and a foul was awarded to Celtic, with the score remaining 0-0.

The hosts went on to lose the game by a single goal, which was scored by Kyogo just before half time.

McCoist reckons it was one of the worst derby encounters for some time, as he described both teams as "bang average".

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