‘Absolutely huge’ – Sutton sends warning to Celtic over ‘unthinkable’ potential Rangers boost
Celtic fanatic Chris Sutton has claimed that it is “unthinkable” that Rangers could be in line for a £35 million windfall if they win the Scottish Premiership this season.
Both the Gers and the Hoops made it through to the group stage of the Europa League this week after enduring a number of qualifying rounds.
But depending on how they get on, Scotland’s UEFA co-efficient could improve and both could be eligible for easier Champions League qualification next season.
And if that is the case Sutton believes that this year’s title race will take on a whole new level of significance.
Writing in a column for the Daily Record, Sutton said: “The Rangers result the other night means Scotland has two sides are in action until Christmas at least and there’s a possibility of the country climbing up the rankings and facing less qualifying rounds in the Champions League – and an automatic group place on the way after that.
“That is absolutely huge and the prize for winning the league has just gone up a notch.
“The qualifying process has been fraught with danger for Celtic and they chance to bypass some these banana skins to go straight in every bit as important as clinching the 10.
“The cost of failure would be unthinkable if Rangers stop the run and then get a golden ticket worth £35m.”
How significant would £35 million be for Rangers?
That amount of money would be absolutely huge for both clubs, especially following the financial pressure that the coronavirus pandemic has placed on the professional game in Scotland.
European football has been a financial boost to Rangers already this term, with Steven Gerrard speaking in the last week about how progression to the Europa League group stage will boost the Gers finances.
Any further bonus offered by Champions League football would be significantly more than what is awarded by playing in the Europa League, so if the Scottish Premiership was to be awarded a Champions League group stage place, it would indeed raise this season’s title stakes even higher.
Still, we have all the motivation we need for stopping the Hoops’ title bid already, with that dreaded 10-in-a-row on the line.
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