
Chris Sutton has brutally accused James Tavernier of “killing” Rangers’ title hopes after costing them in defeat against Hearts.
The Ibrox captain, Sutton says, was partially at fault for both goals scored by the Jambos who took a seven point lead over their title rivals at Tynecastle.
Stephen Kingsley levelled – after Dujon Sterling‘s opener in the first-half – before Lawrence Shankland won all three points for his side to retain their lead at the Scottish Premiership summit.
Sutton did not hold back on Tavernier’s efforts and claimed the Englishman had “a heart the size of a pea” as he shrunk in the race.
“The finish from Kingsley is excellent,” Sutton told Sky Sports, “But look at the Rangers captain there and that sums him and his time up at Rangers.
“He has a heart the size of a pea. He really does. He’s bad on both goals, he should react. He should smell the danger and try and block it, he doesn’t. He is so lax there.
“He has killed his team.
“Mentality all comes from the captain. We saw the pathetic efforts from James Tavernier for both goals and that’s what killed them.
“They have spent a fortune this season, so there will be questions asked. This isn’t a one-off, Rangers choking.”
Sutton’s criticism comes as Gers all but fell out of the race with just three matches to go. That includes next weekend’s Celtic derby at Parkhead.
Light Blues boss Danny Rohl, though, was still defiant at full-time in Gorgie as he insisted it ain’t over til it’s over.
“I think it’s over when it’s over and it’s not because there are still three games to go. It’s a very difficult situation, the last two games put us there. We worked so hard to come to this point and then you lose two tight games. It’s not good enough for the moment,” he said.