Watch Max Aarons receive 'embarrassing' red card that triggered Rangers capitulation against Club Brugge - 'What's he doing?'

React to this story

Max Aarons was sent off for a "car crash" red card early in Rangers' play-off second leg against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League. The right-back made an unnecessary challenge on Christos Tzolis and clearly denied a goal-scoring opportunity by pulling the winger down. Aarons' red card came just three minutes after Club Brugge's opening goal in a nightmare start for the visitors.

Aarons sent off for ‘embarrassing' foul in ‘worst possible start’ for Rangers

Video credit: TNT Sports

Max Aarons was sent off in the eighth minute of Rangers' UEFA Champions League play-off against Club Brugge, just minutes after conceding an early goal.

Nicolo Tresoldi had given the hosts the lead just three minutes prior to Aarons being sent off.

The right-back clearly denied a goal-scoring opportunity with an unnecessary challenge on Christos Tzolis, dragging the Greek winger to the floor by his jersey.

Transfers

Arsenal sign Greece international Tzolis from Club Brugge

23/07/2026 at 14:17

"What is he thinking about? It's a punt up the pitch," lamented TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist.

"That's embarrassing. It's schoolboy defending. Just get goal-side of him and match the run.

"That is absolutely car crash material. It really is. I don't know what he's doing."

Rangers were already 3-1 down on aggregate going into the game after numerous defensive mistakes in the first leg.

Russell Martin's side were booed at Ibrox after the first-leg defeat, and his team have yet to win any league games after three matches in the Scottish Premiership.

Aarons was also partly at fault for the Belgian side's opening goal, as he allowed space for left-back Joaquin Seys to cross into the box.

McCoist noted that the entire Rangers defence were poor, but Aarons involvement in the goal will be even further scrutinised following his red card.

Brugge add to aggregate lead against Rangers with ‘beautiful goal’

Video credit: TNT Sports

"Inexplicable that," McCoist added. "Played his part in the goal, and now he's got himself a red card, incredible.

"I'm just trying to think what he's doing in that position in the first place. Why is he in that position? Why is your right-back in that position in the first place?"

Things went from bad to worse for the away side shortly after the half hour mark when Hans Vanaken headed past Jack Butland.

A quickfire double from Seys had Brugge 4-0 up on the night, before Aleksandar Stankovic struck on the stroke of half-time to give the Belgians an unassailable 8-1 aggregate lead.

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Champions League