Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has voiced sharp criticism directed at Rangers for their alleged petition to have referee Willie Collum excluded from officiating their future games. The controversy stemmed from Rangers’ discontent following their Glasgow derby defeat to Celtic, fueling backlash as they sought possible retribution over disputed officiating decisions that emerged during the contest.

Sutton, expressing his views in a recent column for the Daily Record, condemned the request originating from Rangers, questioning the potential fallout of such a move and its implications for the broader landscape of Scottish football. While acknowledging the imperfections inherent in referee decisions and the need for continued improvement within the sport, Sutton raised concerns over the prospect of singling out officials based on subjective calls, asserting that such a course of action sets a detrimental precedent for the sport.

The former Celtic forward questioned the motives behind Rangers’ maneuver, highlighting the potential repercussions and larger implications on the integrity of the game. Sutton underscored the need to select battles diligently and asserted that the route chosen by Rangers fails to align with the greater interests of Scottish football, particularly during a closely contested title race where every decision carries significant weight.

Sutton’s insights underscore an overarching sentiment of dismay and concern regarding the direction taken by Rangers, magnifying the pivotal role of ethical and fair play considerations amidst the ongoing competition. As the saga unfolds, Sutton’s critique serves as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in the realm of sportsmanship and the broader resonance of actions taken by clubs within the intricate network of Scottish football.