Chris Sutton speaks out on Rangers complaints to SFA after Old Firm defeat v Celtic
Chris Sutton has hit out at Rangers and their SFA contact over referee Kevin Clancy’s controversial decision in Saturday’s Old Firm clash at Parkhead.
The former Celtic striker believes that too much has been made of another derby defeat for Rangers, whilst not enough was said on the pitch.
In his usual manner, Sutton put forward his case that there has been too much noise from Ibrox following another big game occasion in which the Gers didn’t deliver, creating further pressure ahead of the upcoming Scottish Cup semi-final.
He was quoted in his Daily Record column: “I didn’t quite get Beale’s complaining about handball from Jota for the second. It didn’t hit his hand and even if it did it would have been accidental and not from the goalscorer, so the rules would have allowed it anyway.
“It was a little bit desperate and perhaps some deflection. They can write all the letters to the SFA they like but look at all the stats. Celtic had more possession, more chances, more shots on goal, more corners, Allan McGregor had more saves to make.
“It was a close game but can anyone really say Rangers did enough to win it? I’m not even sure Rangers fans would believe that.”
Deflection and denial
When even Sutton states that the controversial Clancy call was a 50/50 decision, you know that there is something to it.
This is what Sutton does best, bluster and hyperbole from a Celtic perspective, for a Celtic perspective.
Imagine if the goal had been disallowed at the other end on Saturday? The BBC pundit would have been calling for a steward’s enquiry on VAR and everything else.
Sutton is right in that the Jota handball claim from Beale and James Tavernier was misguided but he is in denial of the significance of Alfredo Morelos’ goal which should have stood. What should have been the opener would have changed the balance of the first half but that only adds to the frustration of Rangers, who absolutely gifted Celtic two of their goals.
Next time, at Hampden, there is no room for doubt or self-destruction, Beale’s team must deliver at the fourth attempt for the incumbent Ibrox boss.
In other Rangers news, transfer news emerges as Ibrox star now destined for MLS or Middle East