Chris Sutton was heavily critical of James Tavernier following Rangers' severely damaging 2-1 defeat to Hearts.
Danny Rohl's men succumbed to a season-defining loss at Tynecastle as Dujon Sterling's opener was cancelled out by second half goals from Stephen Kingsley and Lawrence Shankland.
The result all but ends their hopes of a first Scottish Premiership title since 2021 with Rangers seven points adrift of Derek McInnes' Hearts with just three matches of the season remaining.
It marks a bitter end to Tavernier's 12-year stay in Glasgow after the right-back announced he would be leaving the club once his contract expires in the summer.
There was no room for sentiment from Sutton, however, with the former Celtic striker suggesting Tavernier "killed his team" with his defending in both of Hearts' goals and claimed the Gers captain has the "heart the size of a pea" in a damning assessment.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Sutton said: "James Tavernier, that sums him up at Rangers.
"He's got a heart the size of a pea, he really does. He's bad on both goals.
"He should react and smell the danger to try and block it but he doesn't. He is so lax there and has killed his team today.
"Mentality all comes from the captain. We saw the pathetic efforts from James Tavernier for both goals and that's what killed them.
"They have spent a fortune this season, so there will be questions asked. This isn't a one-off, Rangers choking."
Rangers entered the post-season split in encouraging form but consecutive losses to Motherwell and Hearts have scuppered their title bid.
Despite the chastening defeat in Edinburgh, Rohl remained defiant and pointed out his side still possess a mathematical, albeit unlikely, chance of finishing the season at the summit.
Rohl said: "I think we have to look to our games and play with courage the next three games, it's what I demand from my group.
"I think nothing else. I want to see a group who fights for every point and plays good football for 90 minutes in both directions.
"This is what we want and what we have. I think it's over when it's over and it's not because there are still three games to go."
