Scott Arfield hits back at Chris Sutton after Rangers accusation v Celtic
Scott Arfield and Chris Sutton had differing views about Rangers beating Celtic 3-2 in the Old Firm derby at Parkhead last Sunday.
It has almost been a week since Rangers silenced the Celtic Park crowd by claiming the bragging rights in the latest iteration of the Glasgow derby, but it continues to be a topic of discussion.
Much has been said about the controversy involving Vaclav Cerny, while some have downplayed the significance of the result as Celtic still sit 13 points clear atop the Premiership table.
Arfield reveals what Sutton told him after Rangers win v Celtic
Sutton was among those who were not impressed by Rangers’ celebrations after winning at Parkhead, describing their antics as “brass neck”, while also telling Arfield that he would not be welcomed back in the Sky Sports gantry.
Meanwhile, Arfield has expressed his disagreement with Sutton after he ‘accused’ Rangers of being carried away by the Old Firm triumph.
| Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goal Difference | Points |
| 1. Celtic | 30 | 24 | 3 | 3 | 69 | 75 |
| 2. Rangers | 30 | 19 | 5 | 6 | 34 | 62 |
The former Gers ace admitted that the Ibrox outfit being 13 points Celtic remains unacceptable, but pointed out that Barry Ferguson and Co had the right to celebrate considering their recent struggles, while also joking about the Cerny incident.
“Chris joked after the game that I wouldn’t be welcomed back and I suspect that’s not just because Rangers won”, Arfield wrote in his column on the Record website (22 March).
“He’s right to have his opinion on what happened after the game with the victors’ celebrations but I certainly have mine – and it won’t surprise you that I view it all a bit differently from the big fella.
“He’s accused my old side of getting majorly carried away with their 3-2 derby triumph, calling the scenes at the end a ‘brass neck’.
“Of course, no Rangers side should be pleased with a season that has them sitting 13 points behind their biggest rivals. That’s just not acceptable.
“But we have to remember what has been going on at the club recently and the situation that the team is currently in, working under a caretaker boss.
“So, of course, Barry and his players had every right to drink in that moment – even if the odd drop of water was spilled in the process!”
Parkhead win to ignite Gers resurgence
Yes, the league is beyond Rangers’ reach as it is only a matter of time before Celtic clinch it.
However, the Light Blues may still look back at the win at Celtic Park as a pivotal moment in their season, especially since they are still active in the UEFA Europa League.
Having caused an upset over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, Ferguson and Co will be dreaming of going further in Europe, although they will be tasked with facing Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals in April.
The result against Brendan Rodgers’ side may also be instrumental in Ferguson earning a chance as the Gers’ permanent manager.
That could then spark a resurgence next season, with the former captain leading the team once again, this time under the ownership of Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe.