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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Chris Doyle

John Lundstram's heartbreaking apology to Rangers fans that Ally McCoist refuses to accept

Ally McCoist has dismissed the notion that Rangers let their supporters down following their defeat in the Europa League final as John Lundstram apologised to fans in an emotional interview.

The Ibrox club came up just short in Seville as Eintracht Frankfurt ran out winners in a penalty shoot-out with Aaron Ramsey's spot-kick miss proving decisive. The Welshman and Rangers were understandably devastated at full-time and that agony was reflected in Lundstram's post-match interview.

The former Sheffield United midfielder was "heartbroken" by the cruel way in which they lost the final and said sorry to the Ibrox faithful for "letting them down." He said on BT Sport: "It's a hard one to take, to lose on penalties.

"For 120 minutes I don't think either team performed great. I thought we could have performed better, it's hard to perform well on a big stage like this.

"We're severely disappointed to lose on penalties. It's a lottery, we're severely disappointed to let everyone down. Three-quarters of the stadium are Rangers fans, to let everyone down is heartbreaking."

BT Sport pundit Ally McCoist was quick to jump to the defence of Lundstram and refused to accept his apology as he hailed the monumental effort from Rangers to reach the final.

Aaron Ramsey is consoled after missing in the Europa League final penalty shootout (James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)

The former Rangers striker said: "Let's get that straight right away, John Lundstram and the Rangers players did not let anyone down.

"Far from it. The complete opposite. The boys can be extremely proud of the journey they've taken us on."

It was all square after 90 minutes after Rafael Santos Borre, who scored the winning penalty in the shootout, cancelled out Joe Aribo's opener. Ryan Kent had a glorious chance to win it in extra time right at the death but Kevin Trapp pulled off a brilliant point-blank save.

John Lundstram's heartbreaking interview after the final (BT Sport)

Did the better team come out on top in Seville? Let us know in the comment section below

Lundstram called the stop "world-class" insisting Rangers were the ones on the front foot in extra time. He added: "The chance at the end was the point where we could have won it. But what can you do? It was a world-class save.

"We are just devastated. The boys put in so much graft. We can all be super proud to have got this far, but I am so heartbroken for the fans and everyone.

"We were the one pushing and pressing in extra time. We were getting crosses in and Ryan had the chance but the keeper made a top save."

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