CELTIC legend Chris Sutton has described the Rangers statement about Bruno Alves’ two-match ban as ‘devoid of credibility’ and suggested that Pedro Caixinha’s touchline ban could be a good thing for the Ibrox club.
The Light Blues were enraged after Portuguese defender Alves was handed a retrospective suspension for kicking out at Motherwell striker Louis Moult during Sunday’s 2-0 Betfred Cup semi-final defeat, while Steelmen striker Ryan Bowman escaped any punishment despite leaving Fabio Cardoso with a broken nose.
A Gers spokesman described his ‘shock’ at the decision of Scottish FA Compliance Officer Tony McGlennan on Tuesday, describing it as ‘devoid of credibility and balance’.
Read more: Rangers hit out at Scottish FA after Bruno Alves offered ban and Ryan Bowman escapes punishment
But Sutton, speaking on BT Sport, hit back at the Ibrox side’s statement.
"That statement is devoid of credibility..."
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) October 24, 2017
"It's been embarrassing this season!"@chris_sutton73 has his say on Bruno Alves and Pedro. pic.twitter.com/3K5IQm7AC7
He said: “That’s rubbish. That statement is devoid of credibility for denouncing Bruno Alves’ two-match ban.
“What I would say is the compliance officer has got a lot wrong this season. Maybe, justifiably so, that is why they feel peeved.
“But in isolation, Alves had to go – you cannot kick out. Other players should’ve gone on the pitch and I understand that. But you can’t complaint about the Alves decision.”
Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha also faces a one-match touchline ban after being sent to the stands during the fiery clash at Hampden Park.
The Portuguese came in for fierce criticism following his side’s cup exit and Sutton suggested his absence for tonight’s Ladbrokes Premiership fixture against Kilmarnock could be a blessing in disguise.
“That may not be a bad thing,” he said.
“That’s one of the biggest issues – squaring up to Scott Brown. Is he in control of what he’s doing?
“I think the players see the way he acts in the technical area. It’s been embarrassing this season.”
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