The fallout from Celtic’s League Cup triumph and the ensuing penalty controversy shows no signs of abating, with Chris Sutton now weighing in on the VAR debate.
The controversy was reignited after referee Willie Collum broke his silence to admit that Rangers should have been awarded a penalty when Celtic’s Liam Scales fouled Vaclav Cerny inside the box.
While Scales maintains it didn’t feel like a penalty at the time, Collum’s admission has only fueled the ire of Rangers fans, who are now clamouring for action.
Amid this storm, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has taken aim at what he describes as the “hysterical reaction” from Rangers supporters, particularly those calling for drastic measures in the wake of their defeat.
Writing in his Daily Record column, Sutton didn’t hold back:
“There’s been some hysterical reaction to Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final with some people even saying the match should be replayed.
“I’d be all for it. In fact, perhaps I should dig out my boots and we can have another go at the 2003 Celtic v Rangers League Cup Final.
“Remember John Hartson’s goal that was ruled out for offside when he was about 25 yards onside and Rangers went on to win the trophy?
“Let’s do that again. In fact, if we are going to replay finals for refereeing mistakes, we might as well have another bash at just about every final in history.”
Sutton also criticised what he perceives as Rangers supporters spinning a “narrative” of injustice surrounding the penalty decision.
“There’s been a narrative that they were robbed at Hampden and they played really well. Excuse me, didn’t they concede three goals? And against a Celtic team that wasn’t really firing on all cylinders?
“Are we handing out more moral trophies again because Rangers didn’t get pumped? This isn’t the Ibrox club I came up against.
“They are using the big decision as a crutch when in reality they finished second best to Celtic once more.”
Sutton’s remarks echo those of Kris Boyd, who earlier acknowledged Celtic’s superiority even when not at their best.
Boyd conceded that Rangers failed to capitalise despite Celtic being far from their peak form, an uncomfortable truth for the Ibrox faithful.
Suggestions of a replay, Sutton argues, reflect a fanbase grappling with reality.
“Even when Celtic were at their worst,” he pointed out, “Rangers threw all they had at the Parkhead club and still couldn’t come up with that elusive win.”
The debate over the penalty incident may rage on, but Sutton is adamant the focus should instead be on the bigger picture: Celtic’s continued dominance over their rivals, even on an off day.
