RANGERS manager Steven Gerrard has described their Europa League clash with Brondby as "must-win" after watching his side lose 1-0 away to Sparta Prague.

A Dávid Hancko header in the first half was all that separated the teams but in truth, the Light Blues rode their luck at times.

The Rangers boss also called out UEFA for failing to punish Sparta Prague properly for racist chanting when he spoke to the various media outlets following the game.

Our writer Derek Clark has analysed what was said.

Gerrard on the performance and result

“I’m disappointed with the scoreline, I’m disappointed after the start that we’ve had in the group, losing two games is not ideal,” he told Rangers TV.

“I think the next game is a must-win now, we have to win the next game at home to Brondby to give ourselves an outside chance.

“In terms of the performance, I thought Sparta maybe just edged it in terms of chances but I was really pleased with the boys especially when we went to 10 men. I thought we threw caution to the wind and we tried our best to try and rescue a point but it wasn’t to be.

READ MORE: Detailed Rangers player ratings as Allan McGregor prevents heavier Sparta Prague defeat

“They’ve had one good chance off a set play, they’ve took it which we’ll need to look at and we’ve had two very similar chances and unfortunately we haven’t took our chances.”

Gerrard has painted a slightly more positive picture than what many viewed through their TV screens. Sparta could’ve been out of sight not long after the restart with the Rangers defence cut open several times in quick succession. The Ibrox men didn't carve many opportunities and it’s been a story of their season so far in lacking a real cutting edge in front of goal. His suggestion the next game is a must-win is spot on if Rangers are to have any chance of qualifying for the last 32. In fact, they must take maximum points from both game in the Brondby double header.

Gerrard on Kamara sending off

“I thought both yellow cards were harsh," he told BT Sport.

"I think the second one when you’re on a yellow you give the referee a decision to make, we understand that but I think the first one is soft. It’s just a foul for me and get on with the game so I’m slightly disappointed with that but we have to accept it.”

Kamara’s dismissal was harsh in the extreme but the first was perhaps more justifiable given you don’t tend to get away with fouls like that in Europe. The second just seemed totally unnecessary and there was barely any contact while the Finn had his eyes on the ball.

Gerrard on Kamara being booed

“I’m obviously engrossed in the game and trying to think what we can do to get back in the game but if that’s the case and it is the truth it’s obviously very disappointing but I’m not surprised because we’re playing behind closed doors apparently for a reason and it’s not the first time there’s been issues at this place.”

“The powers that be don’t do enough, the punishment was supposed to be a fine and playing behind closed doors, you don’t play in front of any people. Ok there’s kids at the game and I understand that but it’s near enough a full house so they’re not getting punished playing a game behind closed doors.

“If you’re going to fine people and punish them, go with the full punishment, empty stadium, a fine and more.”

It’s utterly depressing to be talking about a player being subjected to such antics and even more so that the stadium was packed with children. Gerrard doesn’t miss when calling out UEFA and he has every right to do so, they are quick to push their ‘No to Racism’ slogan but seem to have no interest in tackling the issue robustly in the game beyond surface-level soundbites. The idea that only children were allowed into the ground, in theory, is quite a nice one, however, it’s a sad indictment on Czech society that Kamara was roundly booed throughout.

READ MORE: Borna Barisic pinpoints area of improvement for Rangers after Prague defeat

Gerrard on Juninho Bacuna injury

“He had a problem in his quad area, I don’t think it’s too big but I think where it’s at it didn’t make sense to take the risk because we can’t lose him for three or four weeks.

“Hopefully we’ve got to the injury before it’s got too bad.”

“We’re hoping to have him available at the weekend but he’s certainly only got an outside chance right now.”

This was a worrying sight to see the former Huddersfield man hobble off in the first half. It was a big opportunity and the midfielder had looked a promising acquisition in fleeting cameos. At least Gerrard’s comments suggest he won’t be missing for too long, but given Rangers lack of options at the moment, he’ll want Bacuna back fighting fit as soon as possible.