‘Totally embarrassing’ – Chris Sutton takes swipe at Rangers, McCoist hits back in BT Sport row
Ally McCoist shut down Chris Sutton’s bemusement over Rangers’ celebrations for beating Galatasaray and qualifying for the Europa League group stages on Thursday night.
James Tavernier and Scott Arfield were on the scoresheet as the Gers beat the Turkish giants 2-1 at Ibrox while Celtic also progressed to the group stages by winning 1-0 at Sarajevo.
Speaking on BT Sport’s Scottish Football Extra on Friday night, Sutton and McCoist clashed over Rangers’ win and their celebrations after winning against Galatasaray.
While sarcastically applauding, Sutton said: “Great performance from Rangers. The celebrations after, I thought they won the Europa League. Amazing stuff.
“Celebrating going through to the Europa League group stages? Come on, Ally.”
McCoist replied: “What would you know about winning the Europa League? I’m not getting carried away but it was certainly a tough fixture. It was one of the tougher fixtures on paper.
“It was important for Rangers. It was important for Scottish football. It was important for us that we can move forward and have some European football to look forward to.
“I think, secretly, Chris is quite happy too.”
McCoist’s response to Sutton was spot on. Rangers’ win benefits Celtic and the rest of Scottish football as much as it does themselves and it was a massive win against tough opposition – why not celebrate?
Why does Sutton always try to shut Rangers down for celebrating wins? Are we not allowed? Do we have to simple do a little clap and shake the hands of our opponents despite securing progression in a knock-out competition?
Even though McCoist covered all the bases with his response, ex-Celtic man Sutton couldn’t help but carry on.
He added: “It was a good performance to get through but give me a break, the celebrations were totally over-the-top, totally embarrassing. Just imagine McCoist, Gazza, Laudrup celebrating getting through to the Europa League group stages. Come on.”
Here’s some news for you, Chris. Rangers – and Celtic and the whole of Scottish football – is not at the level it was at back in the 1990s and early 2000s. Progressing to the Europa League group stages is an achievement for both Old Firm clubs.
The Gers have achieved over the odds in Europe in the last couple of seasons while Gerrard has been in charge – losing to Progrès Niederkorn is now a thing of the past.
If we win a match, let’s celebrate.
Sutton cannot stand it – even if it does benefit his beloved Celtic.
In other Rangers news, this BBC pundit was wowed by the Europa League group stage draw for both the Gers and the Bhoys.