Chris Sutton Slams Rangers Fans for Double Standards Over Ferguson and Clement

Chris Sutton has called out what he sees as hypocrisy among Rangers supporters following Barry Ferguson’s managerial debut, labeling the reaction to his early substitution against Kilmarnock as a “disgrace.”

Ferguson, who took charge of the Light Blues after Philippe Clement’s sacking, guided the team to a dramatic 4-2 comeback win at Rugby Park on Wednesday, 26 February. However, it was his bold tactical decision to replace Clinton Nsiala with Ridvan Yilmaz just after the half-hour mark that caught many by surprise. Despite the initial shock, the move proved pivotal, as Rangers turned the game around with a dominant second-half display.

Yet, Sutton was quick to point out the inconsistency in the fanbase’s reactions, reminding them of how Clement was heavily criticized for a similar decision earlier in February. The Belgian was slammed for substituting Bailey Rice at halftime during Rangers’ embarrassing 1-0 Scottish Cup exit to Queen’s Park.

Taking to social media, Sutton highlighted the double standard: “Philippe Clement was a disgrace for taking Bailey Rice off, Barry Ferguson was a genius taking Clinton Nsiala off. Football eh.”

Philippe Clement was a disgrace for taking Bailey Rice off…
Barry Ferguson was a genius taking Clinton Nsiala off…
Football eh…

— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) February 26, 2025

Ferguson’s swift adjustment against Kilmarnock was widely praised, as Nsiala struggled badly in his short time on the pitch. On the other hand, Clement’s decision to replace Rice with Nico Raskin against Queen’s Park was widely questioned, with many feeling it failed to change the game.

For Ferguson, this comeback victory was the dream start to his tenure, but with plenty of challenges ahead, scrutiny will only intensify. Whether fans remain just as supportive of his decisions in the coming weeks remains to be seen.

In other news, Barry Ferguson Fires Back at Rangers Doubters – Here’s When He Says Judgment Should Come