Rangers reveal why fans should 'stay in their seats' after full-time v Hearts at Ibrox

Rangers will pay tribute to five departing players at the end of their home match against Hearts on Wednesday night.

The club confirmed earlier this week that Allan McGregor, Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander will all depart Ibrox at the end of the season when their contracts expire.

McGregor, 41, is in his second spell at the club and will be rewarded with a testimonial against Newcastle United on July 18, while 30-year-old Sweden defender Helander has not played since April 2022 due to a foot problem.

Morelos, 26, was signed from HJK Helsinki in 2017 for a reported fee of £1million and went on to become the club’s record European goalscorer while Kent, 26, joined from Liverpool permanently in September 2019 after an initial loan spell, with the fee reportedly around £6.5m.

Rangers fans have been encouraged to stay in their seat after the match against Hearts. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

Rangers are planning a special tribute for the quintet after full-time and have encouraged fans to stay behind to say their final farewells.

A club statement posted on Twitter read: "Please stay in your seats at Full-Time tonight at Ibrox as we pay tribute to the departing Allan McGregor, Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander."

Rangers boss Michael Beale also hinted that a new signing could be unveiled at the match. Addressing the prospect of an imminent new signing, Beale said: "One might be announced on Wednesday at Ibrox so there’s another reason for people to maybe come along and see us in midweek."

On the departing players, Beale added: “Their contributions to Rangers were huge. It is a sad day in many ways and I am sure the fans will show their appreciation (on Wednesday) night in the last home game.”