Olwethu Makhanya was not one to mince his words after the game between Rangers and Hearts on Wednesday.

The South Africa international was clearly disappointed by how the team capitulated after going a goal up and conceded two quick-fire goals in the second period.

Calum Crowe praises Olwethu Makhanya for comments after Hearts vs Rangers

In his post-match interview, Makhanya questioned the lack of character in the Gers side and believes that was why they failed to get the three points. He did initially say that the team showed character to take the lead, but called a spade a spade when they conceded twice in the second half.

He said: “Honestly, I think it’s a very disappointing game. We showed good character to come back, but overall I think we’re a much better team than what we showed tonight. We’ll take the point and move forward.

“I just feel we lacked character in the second half. We needed to start the half the right way, but we came out a bit sluggish. It’s a game we need to move on from as quickly as possible and focus on the next one.”

His comments were well appreciated by Calum Crowe in the Daily Mail. The journalist did agree that the defender’s statement was “damning”, but given how the Rangers players have been making excuses lately, he praised the 24-year-old for speaking with his heart and calling things as he saw them.

He wrote: “It was actually quite damning that Makhanya spoke afterwards and questioned the mentality of those around him. He cited a ‘lack of character’ as Rangers toiled for long periods after taking an early lead through Kevin Kelsy.

“Given some of the excuses trotted out by Rangers players in recent years, it was actually refreshing to hear a player speak with such honesty.”

Why Derek McInnes is wrong about Makhanya

McInnes responded to Makhanya’s statements and stated that he disagreed with them. In his view, there is plenty of character at the club and the result was not down to that.

He said: “I got told about Makka’s comments. I think there was a period in the game where it looked as if we were second best, even though the running stats will tell you we weren’t.

“But it’s too easy to point fingers at character. “That’s a word that gets bandied about here.

“We’ve got plenty of character.”

However, what the manager fails to notice is that Makhanya only spoke about the team not showing the character to go out there and get the second goal to double the lead. Instead, they struggled to get out of their own half and take control of the game, leading to them conceding two quick goals.

McInnes could have said that he agreed with Makhanya and that there were a few dropped heads, but that the team showed tremendous spirit to score after being a goal down. He is the one setting the standards at the club, and cannot be satisfied with the team playing well for just 30 minutes out of 90.

The South Africa international was spot on and there were some players whose character has been exposed. They need to step up if they want to keep their spot in the team.