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Celtic legend Sutton took aim at the Gers boss and has also had his say on the disgraceful post-match scenes at Ibrox
Chris Sutton insists Danny Rohl is on the ropes after the Rangers manager’s Celtic fighting talk came back to bite him in the Old Firm double header disappointment.
The Ibrox gaffer’s trophy hopes were hit after Sunday’s Scottish Cup shootout exit to the Hoops on the back of surrendering a two-goal lead in the Premiership clash seven days earlier. Gers have slipped to third in the league and while Sutton is not writing off Rohl’s title hopes, the former Celtic hero insisted the German has learned a painful lesson.
Speaking on the Record Sport Celtic Podcast, Sutton said: “Rohl’s issue is he got a bit above his station and got a little bit too cocky. You could see what Martin O’Neill thought about his comments on how Celtic should have played against Stuttgart.
“That wouldn’t have gone down well. I just think Rohl started to believe his own hype a little bit, I don’t know why he got involved with Luke McCowan’s comments, and if I were a Rangers fan I would be thinking, ‘You haven’t won anything yet Danny, don’t worry about what’s going on at Celtic or who Martin should be playing.
“Concern yourself with your own team. Let’s get it right. Talking about Martin in Europe, Rohl’s record in Europe was rotten.
“That won’t have gone down well with the Rangers support. The two games against Celtic at Ibrox, he would have been thinking, ‘here we go, I fancy this’.
“In fairness, they had the better of the first half in the league game and the majority of the cup tie.
“But in Glasgow it’s all about who comes out on top. I just think Danny’s ego has been checked a bit with what’s happened.
“It’s better to do your talking on the pitch rather than spout off early – and it’s come back to bite him.
“I believe Rangers can still win the league, but the reaction to these results will be fascinating.”
Sutton is convinced Celtic and Rangers are still facing a huge challenge to catch Hearts in the title race.
And the Hoops legend also insisted the Old Firm have to weed out the trouble makers after the shameful scenes after the shootout at Ibrox on Sunday.
Celtic supporters spilled onto the pitch amid wild celebrations while dozens of Gers fans broke through the security cordon to square up to rivals, with flares and missiles launched, a member of the Celtic backroom staff attacked and punters involved in scraps.
Sutton said: “Fans should never enter the field of play. Celtic fans did it. I understand the jubilation at winning on penalties but they shouldn’t have gone on the pitch.
“Rangers fans steamed on from the other end and it turned ugly, with flares and missiles being thrown and so on.
“It must have been scary for the police and stewards involved and it was shameful and embarrassing.
“Scottish football has had a lot of positive coverage this season and this was a big disappointment.
“It will be interesting to see what happens next. It looks like Celtic and Rangers are waiting to see who releases a statement first but there was unacceptable behaviour, from both sides.
“There are minorities that seemingly spoil it for everyone else. It’s a passionate derby but most know where the line is.
“It was great to see the Celtic fans back in the Broomloan Stand, yet now all the talk is going back to a limited allocation again – which we don’t want, because it makes for a better atmosphere.
“But it looks like the mindless few have ruined it.
“I mean, who goes to a football match wearing what looks like Spider-Man masks? You know they are up to no good.
“I don’t get it – it’s sinister. And it’s something the authorities need to think about.”
Musty
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