Chris Sutton skips VAR debate to single out two Rangers stars, one is ‘magnificent’

It’s not often that you hear outspoken former Celtic striker Chris Sutton praise Rangers.

The former Parkhead hitman has turned baiting Rangers fans and dubious referee conspiracy theories into a lucrative post-playing career.
Following the publication of the most recent independent VAR review this week, Sutton has also been remarkably silent.

Though you can bet that if the referees had stiffed Celtic rather than Rangers, Chris Sutton’s most recent Daily Record piece would have focused heavily on technology, the columnist does deserve credit for praising two Ibrox stars of the season.

Sutton brings up Tavernier and Butland.

In Scottish football, awards season is quickly approaching as the season draws to a close.

The PFA Scotland Player of the Year nominees were revealed this week, and professionals in Scottish football were asked to select four candidates in order to win the award.

These include Jack Butland and James Tavernier of the Rangers, Matt O’Riley of the Celtics, and Lawrence Shankland of the Hearts, who is a striker.

Chris Sutton has expressed his admiration for the Ibrox nominees, saying there are “no arguments” regarding their participation in the Player of the Year award.

Sutton writes, “At Rangers, no arguments with Jack Butland and James Tavernier,” in his most recent Daily Record column.

“Butland has been outstanding for almost the entire season, making huge saves when it counted.

“The title race might be almost over if he hadn’t made that instinctive stop against James Bolton of St. Mirren in Paisley six days ago with the score tied at one.

Tavernier’s figures are astounding. It’s amazing that a full-back can dish out so many assists, even though I have concerns about their defensive play.

One of the Rangers’ stars wins “Player of the Year.”

While we’re talking about Chris Sutton and Player of the Year, the outspoken former Celtic striker shared his choice.

Though it was expected that he would support midfielder Matt O’Riley, Sutton has stated that Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland, who has scored 28 goals, is the one who should take the pitch.

It says a lot about how much the Tynecastle club stand to lose should links to Rangers eventually come to light, even though the club claims that Hearts would not be where they are today without him.

Sutton states, “There’s no denying that having those three has helped Celtic and Rangers.” However, I don’t believe they gain as much from Shankland as Hearts do.

State it differently. If you remove them from their individual sides, they may be able to escape punishment. If Shankland is removed from Hearts, you will lose a great deal more.

This afternoon, the striker is scheduled to visit Celtic Park; hopefully, Chris Sutton made the correct call on this one!