Darcheville takes blame for Gers' exit

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Darcheville - rated extremely doubtful with a hamstring strain ahead of the match - came off the bench with 20 minutes remaining and was presented with the chance of the night to restore parity after Sidney Govou had claimed an early opener for Lyon.

"I knew the importance of the game, I am a very experienced striker and I knew that was an important moment in the game," he said. "I don't want to make excuses but the ball gave a little bobble. But I should have scored."

He added: "I was sure I was going to score and it would have given us a great chance to qualify.

"You don't get five or six chances at this level in the Champions League - if you get one, you have to take it."

Asked whether the defeat to Lyon was the biggest disappointment of his career, he responded simply: "Yes."

There was worse to come for both Rangers and Darcheville, as Karim Benzema then helped himself to two goals to inflict a 3-0 scoreline and Darcheville earned a straight red for stomping on Kim Kallstrom just before the final whistle.

However, the Ibrox man was keen to protest his innocence afterwards, insisting: "I always take responsibility for myself, but the referee got it wrong. Maybe it was a yellow card. I was very surprised when I saw the red card."

Rangers at least have the consolation of parachuting into the UEFA Cup after securing a third place finish in Group E behind Barcelona and Lyon, and Darcheville sees no reason why Walter Smith's men cannot enjoy a lengthy run in the competition.

"I'm not happy because it was a chance to go into the last 16 of the Champions League," he said. "But now it is finished and we have the UEFA Cup. I think we have a good chance."