Chris Sutton has delivered a stark warning to Rangers supporters, suggesting they should be deeply concerned about the club’s trajectory following their 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Celtic.
Despite manager Philippe Clement’s attempts to downplay the defeat, the harsh reality is that Celtic, who have dominated Scottish football for the better part of a decade, remain firmly ahead of their Glasgow rivals.
Sunday’s encounter at Celtic Park laid bare the gulf between the two sides. The Hoops, clinical and ruthless, made light work of Rangers, securing a win that ensured they entered the international break at the top of the Scottish Premiership, ahead of Aberdeen on goal difference.
Speaking on BBC 5 Live’s 606 programme, Sutton didn’t hold back in his assessment of Rangers’ performance and their prospects for a serious title challenge this season.
“Aberdeen are off to a flier. I would be surprised if Aberdeen could keep this intensity up but I’ve got to say, Rangers were so far off it today,” Sutton remarked.
His concerns for the Rangers faithful were evident as he continued:
“If I’m a Rangers fan, I am really worried. Bearing in mind that Celtic sold their best player, Matt O’Riley, they’ve brought other players in during the window now. But they were miles off it. If you are a Rangers fan then you are thinking that your team has no chance.”
Sutton also questioned whether Clement, who has only been at the helm for a short time, will be given the time he suggests is necessary to turn things around.
“Philippe Clement has said ‘we will get better in October or November’. Will he get that long though? He got a bit of stick when the coach travelled back to Ibrox. There’s a few Rangers fans hanging around who were not happy bears.”
The pressure is undoubtedly mounting at Ibrox, and with performances like Sunday’s, Sutton’s concerns may well resonate with many within the Rangers camp.