Chris Sutton has slaughtered the deflection tactics of the Ibrox Tribute Act- backed up by the obliging Scottish legacy media.
At the start of December Chairman John Bennet told Ibrox shareholders that they’d never become Statement FC, preferring to work behind the scenes to influence the SFA. After 74 SPFL matches without conceding a penalty is appears to be a highly successful strategy.
Within 28 hours of losing to Celtic two statements were issued to media messengers questioning the competence and integrity of Willie Collum and Nick Walsh.
In his first ever Glasgow Derby Collum awarded a penalty against Celtic with his back to play, on Monday Walsh will be back at the day job of working on the fitness of Murray Park starlets in his job as a PE teacher at Boclair Academy.
Sutton was on co-commentary duties for Sky Sports at the match, discussing the aftermath on a Daily Mail (London based) It Is All Kicking Off (39 minutes 50 seconds) podcast he said:
Rangers are complaining to the SFA, they want the VAR audio from Willie Collum, who was on VAR with Nick Walsh refereeing. They want the audio of the conversation.
But the way they’ve actually gone about this, I’m surprised myself. There may be other clubs out there who are similarly astonished and similarly concerned at the non award of penalties against Rangers over the last couple of seasons. I think it’s 72, 73 games – two years – since there was last a penalty awarded against Rangers. That’s astonishing.
Do not blame Willie Collum for your deficiencies, Rangers. Fact of the matter is, had they a centre forward who could put his boots on the right feet, they may have actually ended up winning the game.
Todd Cantwell hasn’t turned up for a meaningful Celtic Rangers game since he’s been at the club. So if you’re looking for someone to blame, Rangers, blame your own players.
Do not blame Willie Collum because essentially, they came to the right decision, however they did it.
John Beaton and Andrew Dallas are expected to take the run without conceding a penalty in the league to a new World Record of 75 when Kilmarnock visit Ibrox this afternoon.
Walsh and Collum are unlikely to get anywhere near the Referee Room at Ibrox for the remainder of the season, Ian Maxwell, CEO of the SFA is again on mute.
Where is Crawford Allan? Maybe he too is deciding to do his boot licking behind closed doors these days…
Fourpenni Dallas on VAR!
He was capable of awarding four pens to sevco – in the one game – on their run of very unusual luck.
But he was equally capable of not awarding even one against them (in seventy two games)!
Mr. Maxwell, … ?
I can’t believe Keevins on SSB just said as rangers conceded a penalty, that’s another conspiracy theory put to bed, WOW. 2 years and a joint world record with VAR in place says it ALL.
Time for another statement then.
Nothings put to bed keevins, you old nutcase. Ibrox have been cheating for years .
Wow! Rumour is sevco lost a goal to a penalty … and hen’s teeth are available again on he-bay!
That was a really enjoyable game tonight and a great way to begin the New Year. Electric opening and some terrific football with their ‘keeper ‘keeping’ them in it and the Saints worked their socks off all night so great credit to them too. So, 4 wins on the trot and we’re at the top but it’s only really by 2 points so we need to be focussed every game til the end of the season as the LRA won’t be embarrasses into being honest as they lack the dignity.
I just thank my lucky stars that I was born into a Tim family tho’ I dismissed the Catholic part a long time ago. I’d have to say tho’ that I respect Pope Francis as I think he’s a decent guy and understands poverty better than most.
Anyway, a thoroughly enjoyable night and a sound beginning to 2024!
HH
Walsh is now a depute head at Boclair.
Promotion for his sterling service to the cause.
In the interest of crediting the fitness of Murray Park starlets, that is being delivered by another SFA referee. Grant Irvine.