‘Let’s be realistic’ – John Hartson urges Rangers to make ‘incredible’ title decision
John Hartson has claimed that it would be an “incredible thing” for Rangers to concede the Scottish Premiership title to bitter rivals Celtic.
The Gers currently find themselves 13 points behind the Hoops at the top of the table, with no certainty over when the season will resume amid the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
And while Hartson admits that it is an unlikely outcome, the former Parkhead striker has suggested that Steven Gerrard’s men would win a lot of respect by handing the trophy to their neighbours.
Speaking to on BBC Sportsound, he said: “Rangers would come away with an awful lot of credit if they were to say ‘you have been worthy champions, you have a massive lead’.
“I can honestly say I’d be saying exactly the same if Rangers had the lead. Celtic have got to probably lose five of their last eight games to be overtaken. Let’s be realistic, that isn’t going to happen.
“It would be an incredible thing to do for Rangers, but like everyone else I don’t expect them to. It would be a commendable thing to do, but I’m not naive.
“Celtic would not want Rangers to do that, they wouldn’t want to be handed it, but common sense has to prevail.”
Does Hartson have a point?
Could you imagine the uproar if Rangers conceded the title to Celtic while there was a still a mathematical chance of them winning it?
It’s unthinkable, and Hartson must know that.
He can talk about gaining credit from neutrals, but realistically, what does that mean to anybody?
There have been numerous occasions when late collapses have thrown the title race wide open in Scotland, and with two Old Firms left to play, plus a game in hand for Gerrard’s men, this title race is far from over.
The only respectful thing to do, for both Rangers and their opponents, is to fight for it until the very end.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox Exclusive: Alex Bruce claims Gerrard faces ‘difficult’ decision on in-form Gers ace.