Rangers: Sky Sports pundit stunned as Jack Butland sale mooted live on radio
Gordon Duncan was left stunned after a Rangers fan criticised Jack Butland and called for him to be dropped after the 3-2 defeat to Ross County.
Butland has been one of the standout performers for the Gers this season but has been blamed for his role in goals conceded during the 3-2 defeat on Sunday (14 April) and 3-3 draw with Celtic (7 April).
And calling into Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (16 April), one fan admitted he has heard rumours that Butland wants out of Ibrox and called on the club to play Jon McClaughlin instead, claiming that the former England international feels he is “bigger than the club”.
“My biggest issue here is last game against Celtic we’ve got Gareth Southgate up to watch our goalkeeper, who’s apparently in and about the England squad,” he said.
“I’m hearing multiple rumours and ramblings that he wants to move down south because his family can’t settle. On the last two performances, he can move down south. I think he’s sold us short. I’ve got a massive bee in my bonnet.
“I think he’s at fault for at least one of the goals yesterday [vs Ross County] and being an experienced campaigner, I’m beside myself as to who he thinks he is if he thinks he’s bigger than the club.
“I would just play Jon McLaughlin if that’s the case.”
Sky Sports pundit Duncan quickly defended the goalkeeper though, and admitted he was shocked by the fan’s opinion.
“Woah. I have to say, that wasn’t meant to be disrespectful to Jon McLaughlin,” he said. “Things must be severe if Jack Butland is getting stick because he’s been the one that’s had the most good games.”
Should Rangers drop Jack Butland?
There’s criticisms and then there is a total overreaction, and that’s exactly what this is from this Rangers fan.
Butland has been nothing short of exceptional for the club this season since arriving on a free transfer last season, and most fans will be in agreement that he is the player of the year at Ibrox this season.
But that doesn’t mean he is a robot and as a human he is going to make mistakes. He has saved the team on an abundance of occasions this season, but unfortunately his teammates couldn’t return the favour against Ross County.
If the player does want to leave this summer, that’s a situation that isn’t sustainable and will have to be dealt with, hence links to Arnaud Bodart. But until the season ends, Rangers and Philippe Clement simply must play their best players at all times.
Butland is undoubtedly the number one goalkeeper at the club and any talk of taking him out of the team is nonsense, regardless of any mistake he has made recently.
In other Rangers news, one Ibrox star may have already played his final game for the club.
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