Heroes Pay The Penalty

Devastated Rangers lose in shootout. Politicians united in praise of team

- Rory Cassidy

SCOTLAND united last night to pay tribute to the Rangers players who came so close to victory in the Europa League final.

The club lost agonisingly, 5-4 on penalties, after Aaron Ramsey's spot kick was saved by the Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper.

Political leaders praised the team for their rousing performance that did not deserve to end in defeat.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: "What a tremendous effort by @RangersFC!! While the loss in the final will hurt, they should be proud of the incredible journey."

SNP Health Secretary Humza Yousaf tweeted: "Cruel, cruel way to lose it but every @RangersFC fan should be proud of their team getting to the final."

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: "Well played @RangersFC. Not the result you deserved but you did Scottish football proud this evening." Former First Minister Alex Salmond said it was the "cruellest way" to lose a final.

He tweeted: "The cruellest way to lose an epic match between two fine sides. This Rangers team still did themselves, their fans and Scotland proud."

Ibrox great Mark Hateley hailed the squad as heroes for the Europa League exploits.