MORE than 1,000 Pars fans left Glasgow dejected after watching their side humiliated 6-0 by Rangers in the Betfred Cup.

Within 27 minutes the visiting support at Ibrox saw four goals fire past Sean Murdoch as they saw their cup hopes evaporate early.

A further two efforts hit the back of the net in the second half as Allan Johnston's men were routed.

Skipper Callum Morris returned to the side, David Hopkirk and Declan McManus also made the starting line-up, but they'll wish they hadn't after this crushing defeat. 

Kenny Miller opened the scoring on five minutes after Murdoch initially saved from Graham Dorrans.

Portugal international Bruno Alves stepped up to curl home a free-kick four minutes later.

It was a dreadful start from the East End Park side who conceded a third after a well-worked Rangers move.

Athletic stopper Murdoch would have been disappointed at the third goal, which bested him at his near post.

Dunfermline couldn't prevent Miller teeing up Alfredo Morales who showed great composure to apply a first-time finish on 23 minutes.

Another pass from Miller provided a fourth goal.

James Tavernier eased past Lewis Martin and powered his effort into the roof of the net on 27 mintutes.

Johnston made a switch two minutes later, damage limitation really, by going to five at the back with Jean Yves M`Voto replacing Hopkirk. 

It stemmed the tide but it was already game over and the Pars fans that remained could only watch through the cracks of their fingers. 

Tavernier's goal completed the scoring in the first-half but the Ibrox hordes in a 35,000-plus crowd didn't need to wait long for a fifth to follow.

Daniel Candeias took over free-kick duties from Alves and he too put the ball past Murdoch from range.

McManus and Morris had efforts at goal for Athletic but it was a dreadful night and it was six when Morales grabbed his second goal following Tavernier's initial effort on 75 minutes.

The only saving grace for Dunfermline will be the cheque they get as a share of the gate money. 

But they'll be hurting today as that was a real hammering.