Tensions flared in the Sky Sports studio prior to Rangers’ dramatic 2-2 draw against Hearts at Tynecastle, with former Jambos defender Ryan McGowan firing a brutal response at Kris Boyd during a heated discussion surrounding Lawrence Shankland.

Shankland, who missed out on playing against his former club through injury alongside Cammy Devlin, travelled with the squad and took a seat directly behind the Rangers substitutes’ bench ahead of kick-off.

Ryan McGowan aims brutal Rangers dig at Kris Boyd

Reacting to the hostile welcome reserved for Shankland, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton voiced his surprise at the treatment dished out to a player who served the capital side so well, noting: “All booing him after all the service he gave to Hearts.”

McGowan was quick to clarify that hostile receptions are simply part and parcel of football when a fan favourite leaves for a domestic rival.

He said: “Well, there have been plenty of Celtic players who have left who got a bad reception when they came back. It is just a part of football, isn’t it? He was loved, and then he left to go somewhere else, and that is the reception you get.”

When Rangers icon Boyd attempted to interject with a cheeky, sly jibe aimed at Hearts and McGowan, the ex-Tynecastle star didn’t hesitate, instantly hitting back with a ruthless reminder of Rangers’ early European exit.

“Well, he [Shankland] is going to miss out on European football this season”, McGowan said.

McGowan’s jab touched on a sore point for the Light Blues, who suffered total elimination from continental competition earlier this campaign, leaving Hearts as Scotland’s sole representatives competing in the Europa League main stage.

On the pitch, the action lived up to the pre-match studio fireworks. Hearts extended their staggering home league unbeaten streak to 26 matches, stretching back 17 months to April 2025 (21 wins, 5 draws), after goals from Claudio Braga and Calvin Miller.

Rangers fought back to earn a point through goals from striker Kevin Kelsy and defender Olwethu Makhanya, but were unable to break down the Tynecastle fortress.

With Shankland watching on from the stands as his side dropped vital away points, McGowan’s instant response on Sky Sports capped off a memorable afternoon in the capital.