Chris Sutton has delivered a scathing assessment of Rangers, claiming Celtic are mocking their rivals and that Brendan Rodgers is celebrating their misfortunes.
Philippe Clement endured another frustrating result as his team faltered on the road, continuing a dismal away record that has plagued the Belgian manager.
Rangers now find themselves 15 points adrift of Celtic at the top of the league – a gap Sutton has described as both “embarrassing” and “shocking” at this stage of the season.
Sutton suggests the club is at a critical juncture, with key decisions looming for Patrick Stewart behind the scenes.
The former Celtic player argues that until a firm course of action is taken regarding Clement’s future, Rangers will be subjected to what he terms “Belgian waffle.”
Speaking on Sky Sports, Sutton said:
“You look at the Rangers squad. Does the jersey fit for a lot of these players?
“I have said it before there is a losing mentality at the club and nothing really has changed. This isn’t just on Philippe Clement this has been happening now for years and years.
“Celtic are laughing at them. Brendan Rodgers is cracking open the champagne this evening laughing at them. It is an embarrassment that we are in the early part of January and Celtic are 15 points clear at the top. That is shocking. It is amazing.
“Myself and Kris [Boyd] thought Clement should have gone a long time ago but they are sort of at a crossroads now. Can this go on? Is Patrick Stewart going to look at the bigger picture and not just one game against Celtic were they raised their game or the odd game in Europe?
“Domestically I said before the game, Philippe Clement will come out and talk about Celtic having the bigger budget. But Rangers should not be dropping 19 points against sides that has far lesser budgets and he never mentions that.
“We hear the excuses week in, week out now and it is about time he took ownership but he won’t. This Belgian waffle will carry on and on and won’t stop until a decision is made on him.”
Sutton’s comments underline the growing discontent surrounding Clement’s tenure, with the manager’s inability to deliver consistent results becoming increasingly glaring.
For Rangers, decisive action may be required if they are to salvage any hope of closing the gap on their rivals this season.
