Over the last twenty years, Scottish football has largely been shaped by a period of unmatched Celtic supremacy.
However, this season has dramatically altered the narrative, drawing interest from football fans around the globe.
Celtic’s disappointing performances, alongside the surprising excellence of Hearts, have created the conditions for a highly unusual three-team title battle as the league heads into the post-split stage.
During the Let Me Be Frank podcast, Frank McAvennie was presented with an intriguing topic concerning the media narrative around Celtic this season, particularly involving Sky Sports and their main commentator, Ian Crocker.
Frank McAvennie dismisses claims of biased coverage against Celtic
The discussion stemmed from Celtic’s victory over Dundee on Sunday and focused on the manner of Crocker’s commentary, as well as the broader suggestion that “it would be good for Scottish football” if Celtic were to lose the title.
McAvennie, however, quickly rejected those claims and highlighted the reality of Celtic’s underwhelming campaign, stressing that criticism has been justified.
Crocker has been a prominent voice in Scottish football broadcasting for many years and is well-known among Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, and other supporters, regardless of their opinions about him.
Simon Houston, though, argued that Crocker “reflects the general feeling” that “Scotland needs another champion.”
McAvennie did not fully agree with that viewpoint, pointing out that the Sky commentator supports West Ham United, a club the former striker once played for.
Simon Houston: “Quite a few Celtic supporters on social media are having a pop at Sky commentator Ian Crocker because he seemed to be buzzing with statistics about how bad Celtic had been.
“Then his tone really seemed to change when the Dundee boy got sent off.”
McAvennie: “I think that’s just you who says that.”
Houston: “I am reading social media. The reason I bring this up. Do you think Ian Crocker and people like Ian Crocker reflect the general feeling that Scotland needs another champion? Do you think neutrals want Celtic to lose the league?”
McAvennie: “It would be good for Scottish football as everyone keeps saying.”
Houston: “That’s the point I am making.”
McAvennie: “I can understand that. But let’s be honest. The football this season hasn’t been anywhere near good enough for Scottish football.
“So, people like Crocker have got to make it sound interesting. It’s interesting now because we have three teams going for the league.”
Houston: “When I went to study journalism many years ago. The definition of what makes a news story is ‘Man bites dog.’ That’s a news story, right?”
McAvennie: “Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story. Is that another one?”
Houston: “Celtic have won 14 titles out of 15. Winning the league is ‘Dog bites man.’ Someone else winning the league is ‘Man bites dog.’
“I think guys like Crocker are trying to reflect this desire from everyone who isn’t a Celtic supporter for someone else to win the league.”
McAvennie: “He’s a West Ham supporter, so I am alright with him.”