By David Herd
Random events in Rangers history that happened in this corresponding week. Here are some memorable moments that happened between October 17 and October 23.
October 17 1987 – Mayhem at Ibrox as Rangers draw 2-2 with Celtic in a match that made front page news across the UK. Rangers goalkeeper Chris Woods and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie were sent off in the first half, with Rangers forced to put centre back Graham Roberts in goal. He then conceded twice, as Celtic looked to have the game won at half-time. Rangers captain Terry Butcher was also then red carded in the second half, before the nine men in blue pulled off an incredible comeback. Ally McCoist pulled one back before recent signing Richard Gough sparked pandemonium by scoring a last-minute equaliser. Roberts then famously conducted the Rangers choir! The three players sent off later were charged by police for “behaviour likely to cause a breach of the peace”. Incredibly, the two Rangers players were found guilty, whereas McAvennie had the charge not proven.
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October 18 2001 – Rangers defeat old foes Moscow Dinamo 3-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Cup second round at Ibrox. Goals by Lorenzo Amoruso, Michael Ball and Ronald de Boer give the team a useful lead for the return leg. The opposition gave the club the opportunity to pay tribute to the men who had defeated the same opposition in 1972 to lift the only European trophy in Rangers history. The Barcelona Bears were introduced to the fans at half-time to a rousing ovation.
October 19 2022 – Rangers defeat Dundee 1-0 at Ibrox in the quarter-final of the League Cup, in a drab match of little excitement. The goal was scored by veteran midfielder Steven Davis, and this turned out to be his 38th and last goal for the club. The Northern Ireland international, and most capped British footballer, would only make three more appearances for Rangers before a knee injury forced his retirement. Over two spells, Davis made 371 Rangers appearances, winning 4 league titles, 3 Scottish Cups and 3 League Cups, as well as being one of only five men to play for the club in two European finals. He is a member of the club Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the MBE in 2017.
October 20 1999 – Dick Advocaat’s Rangers thrash Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven in a memorable Champions League group victory at a rocking Ibrox. The manager surprised the fans by leaving out midfield favourite Jorg Albertz in favour of the more defensive Derek McInnes, and his decision was vindicated as Rangers swept Eindhoven aside. First half goals by Lorenzo Amoruso and Michael Mols and then second half strikes by Neil McCann and Mols put Rangers in with a chance of qualification from the toughest of groups. The Eindhoven goal was scored from the penalty spot by a young striker with a big future, Ruud van Nistelrooy.
October 21 1992 – Rangers win the Battle of Britain at Ibrox against English champions Leeds United in the European Cup. Gary McAllister had given the visitors the lead in the opening minute to silence the capacity crowd, but Leeds goalkeeper John Lukic punched a corner onto his own net before the predatory Ally McCoist grabbed the winner for Walter Smith’s team. Many thought that the away goal meant Leeds were now hot favourites to progress through to the first-ever Champions League group phase, but Rangers were confident they could travel to Elland Road in a fortnight and get the result they needed.
October 22 2020 – Rangers travel to Belgium and defeat Standard Liege 2-0 in their opening fixture of the Europa League group stage. James Tavernier opened the scoring from the penalty spot, but the match is best remembered for the unbelievable second goal, scored in the dying minutes. Substitute Kemar Roofe somehow beat three opposition players on a heavily waterlogged pitch before launching a spectacular 60-yard shot from inside his own half that sailed over the goalkeeper and into the net. There are many fans who think it the best goal they have seen Rangers score.
October 23 1988 – A year after the teams had contested a classic League Cup Final, Rangers and Aberdeen met again in the final and served up another memorable encounter. Graeme Souness would again be the manager who was celebrating, after his team won a pulsating game 3-2. An early Ally McCoist penalty was cancelled out by Dons striker Davie Dodds before half-time. Midfielder Ian Ferguson restored the Rangers lead with a thumping volley, only to see Dodds equalise again. The winner came in the last minute, and it was McCoist who broke Aberdeen hearts with a typical goal.