Chris Sutton condemns Ally McCoist’s “reckless and irresponsible” hate crime remarks.

Chris Sutton has harshly criticised Ally McCoist’s recent statements on Scotland’s new hate crime legislation, calling them “reckless and irresponsible.”

McCoist sparked outrage on talkSPORT by suggesting that he and 48,000 Rangers fans would be in violation of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act during the forthcoming Glasgow Derby with Celtic.

The statute attempts to counteract incitement of hatred on a variety of reasons, including religion and sexual orientation.

Sutton came to the Daily Mail’s It’s All Kicking Off podcast to express his disappointment at McCoist’s comments.

The former Celtic striker stated that, while McCoist’s comments may have been meant in fun, they were nevertheless ill-advised and detrimental.

Sutton stated, “He left himself wide open, you know, saying that he along with 48,000 will be committing a breach of the bill in that fixture.

“Look, I know Ally well, I’ve worked with Ally a lot. I suspect that his comments may have well been tongue-in-cheek. But if they weren’t, then got to say they were pretty reckless, irresponsible comments. Daft. I think his choice of words was clumsy.

“He’s come out now and said that he’s not going to the game which may have not sort of got him out of it, but his way of getting out of the words which he used. He will have to address this one, I thought his comments were slightly odd in truth.”

As the dust settles on this latest media tempest, attention turns to the implications of McCoist’s statements and the greater debate regarding hate crimes in football. This episode serves as a reminder of the power of words, particularly when expressed by people with substantial public authority.

In other news, Green Brigade disclose plans for Rangers blockbuster, as Celtic ultras see off their heroes and send an appeal to fans