Ian Crocker ‘sorry’ to Rangers fans as Chris Sutton ‘goes quiet’ in Celtic clash
Ian Crocker apologised to Rangers supporters early in the Old Firm derby clash after highlighting an unhappy statistic.
The Gers went 1-0 up early in the Old Firm Derby thanks to Ianis Hagi’s effort from outside the box, with ex-Light Blues man Neil McCann accusing former Hoops forward Chris Sutton of going “quiet” during the following discussion.
They trail their bitter rivals by 14 points in the Scottish Premiership, having already lost four times and drawn three matches this season.
However, a win would bring Philippe Clement’s side within 11 points of Celtic, avenging their controversial Scottish League Cup loss on 15 December.
Crocker, speaking on Sky Sports commentary, highlighted an interesting stat. Since August 2023, Rangers have won 33 out of 34 league games after scoring first, with the only failure being a match against Ross County last season [14 April 2024].
He said (2 January, 3.14pm): “Rangers did score first as well in the League Cup final last month, and that turned into an absolutely enthralling 3-3 draw, Celtic of course winning on penalties.
“But when Rangers score first, they usually win in the Premiership. The exception was, sorry to mention it Rangers fans, Ross County last season”.
McCann, on co-commentary, added: “It’s a sore one, that one. It was a pivotal match in the season for Rangers; they had to do business there. But the omens are there, the stats that you’re reading out are good, you have to say.
“I distinctly remember a certain Mr Sutton to my left here, maybe, scoring early in a game and that being one of the stats that we came back and won”.
Crocker responded: “19 seconds and counted for nothing, Chris.”
McCann replied humorously: “That’s why he’s quiet, that’s why he’s quiet.”
Sutton concluded: “Yep, it was a rarity”.
Rangers are backing Philippe Clement despite pressure
Football Insider opinion
Fans have been vocal as their disappointing season continues. Their draw with Hearts on Sunday (29 December) saw supporters demand that the club sack their coach.
Despite these calls, Football Insider revealed that he is not under immediate pressure to be sacked following the Scottish League Cup final loss to Celtic.
Instead, the club are willing to back the coach, with Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness predicting that Rangers will spend between £5-8 million in the January transfer window.
Although they lost to Celtic on penalties and drew against Tottenham in the Europa League, the performances were impressive and have seemingly bought Clement more time.
The Premiership title may be out of reach if the club fail to win against their rivals, but it’s unlikely the board will take drastic action, such as a sacking, unless the situation deteriorates further.
Based on the first 45 minutes at Ibrox in the Old Firm clash there may once again be life in this depleted squad, but a lot will depend on how the second half goes.
In other news, Rangers have agreed £20million deal that may help in the transfer window.
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