ADRIAN MUTU, the Fiorentina forward, is the latest high-profile player to brand Rangers “ugly” after being frustrated at what he described as negative tactics from the Ibrox club in Europe.

Ahead of the clubs meeting again in Florence on Thursday to determine who reaches next month’s Uefa Cup final in Manchester after a goalless semi-final first-leg, Mutu insisted that he had never seen a team so unambitious in front of their own supporters.

Rangers, who continue their bid for four trophies with today’s SPL Old Firm game against Celtic at Parkhead, have already been criticised this season for their style of play.

Lionel Messi, the Barcelona striker, accused the Scottish side of indulging in “antifootball” when the same goalless Ibrox scoreline was achieved against his own team in the Champions League. Now Mutu has expressed his own distaste.

“I’ve never seen a team play like that at home before, but that is their game, their tactic, and what they believe in,” he said. “I thought maybe they would want to make more of a spectacle for the fans. For me, it was an ugly game. They were defending all the time and I just hope we see a bit more attacking, some spectacular football in the return game.” Steven Whittaker, the Rangers midfielder, rejects Mutu’s theory, stressing that his team were only putting into practice the tactics that took them to the last four. After exiting the Champions League, Rangers have kept four consecutive home clean sheets in the Uefa Cup, against Panathinaikos, Werder Bremen, Sporting Lisbon and Fiorentina.

“We were set up to frustrate Fiorentina. They were passing it along the back and across their midfield, but at times all they could see was a sea of blue players in front of them,” said Whittaker. “They couldn’t get through us and the team deserve credit, because we worked hard to make it like that. I know it’s maybe not pleasing on the eye, but that’s the way we’ve been playing in Europe and it’s worked for us so far.”

Thursday in Florence will be Rangers’ 18th European tie of the campaign. Walter Smith, the Rangers manager who has criticised the SPL for refusing to extend the season in response, said: “It’s difficult to wade your way through them, but to think we go to Italy and have an opportunity to get to a European final is fantastic for everyone at the club.”

Uefa Cup semi-final, second leg, Fiorentina (0) v Rangers (0), Thursday, ITV4, 7.30pm, kick-off 7.45pm