JOSH WINDASS has been told the apologise to his own supporters because Rangers players should never react to fans' criticism.

The midfielder has copped flack in the wake of him putting a finger to his lips after scoring against Partick Thistle at Firhill on Tuesday night; a gesture clearly aimed at his critics among the away support.

However, Ibrox legend Derek Johnstone strongly condemned the player's actions insisting that part of the deal of being a Ranger is "not telling your own supporters to shut up."

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Rangers face Ayr United in the Scottish Cup on Sunday at Somerset Park and the sporttimes columnist wants to see a statement made over the weekend.

"Windass needs to apologise," said Johnstone. "The players do their media bits and pieces before and after the game, and that would be an opportunity for the lad to explain himself.

"Or, ironically, he could go on Twitter when I'm sure that's where he's read much of the criticism.

"Windass should have just ran past the Rangers fans after he scored, giving them a look as if to say 'I've shown some of you.'

"What he did was wrong. The fans pay his wages and are entitled to have a go. He basically told 3000 of them to keep quiet.

"And when you play for Rangers, you do not have a go back at the supporters. You just don't."

Windass has scored ten goals from 29 games this season for Rangers, but his form has been inconsistent.

Rangers fans have taken to social media to criticise the 24-year-old, but Johnstone maintained that was part of life at Ibrox.

And he even suggested the words Windass should use when he says sorry.

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The former Gers captain said: "All Windass has to say is; 'I’m sorry I acted like I did. It won’t happen again. I’ve learned my lesson. I didn’t mean to have a go, but I just felt some were over the top with what was being said about me.

“'I now know I should now have done what I did.

“'I appreciate your support and all I want to do is work hard for my team and make sure Rangers keep winning.'

"I know it can be difficult. All players get stick. I know I did. But what you can't do is react.

"What the lad has to do is work hard and help his team."