McInnes takes blame as Rangers exit Conference League on penalties

Rangers manager Derek McInnes expressed deep embarrassment and took responsibility after his team was eliminated from the UEFA Conference League on penalties by Czech side Jablonec on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The defeat at the Stadion Strelnice ended Rangers' European campaign for the season and marked a significant early setback in McInnes' tenure. Rangers entered the second leg of the playoff holding a 1-0 advantage from the first match in Glasgow. However, they failed to build on that lead and were largely outplayed in the return fixture. Jablonec midfielder Vakhtang Tchanturishvili scored in the 73rd minute to level the tie on aggregate, forcing extra time. With no further goals, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, which Jablonec won 4-3. Rangers' Findlay Curtis and James Penrice missed the final two penalties, leaving the players in tears on the pitch. "I'm embarrassed with the performance," McInnes stated. "I think the only people who represented the club well tonight were my staff and the supporters who were outstanding, getting behind the team despite watching what we all watched.