Rod Stewart blasts ‘absolutely ridiculous’ Celtic situation
Celtic need to be given more competition by other clubs in the Scottish Premiership, Rod Stewart has claimed.
The singer and renowned fans of the Hoops has described the period of dominance his side are enjoying in Scotland as “ridiculous”.
As things stand, the club have won the Scottish Premiership title in 12 of the last 13 seasons, also winning numerous cup competitions in that period.
Celtic have already lifted the Scottish League Cup this season, and look well on their way to claiming another championship as well.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side are currently 13 points clear of second-place Rangers at the top of the league table, with 13 games of the season remaining.
Rod Stewart wants Celtic challenged amid Rangers struggles
The gulf between Celtic and their closest challengers was highlighted on Sunday (9 February) in a match they did not even play.
Despite being awarded a much-debated stoppage time penalty Rangers were beaten 1-0 by Championship side Queen’s Park at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup, as James Tavernier’s spot-kick was saved.
Although Stewart admits he enjoyed that moment as a Hoops supporter, he is concerned about what it says about the competitiveness in Scotland at this moment in time.
When asked about that shock cup defeat for Rangers while being interviewed on talkSPORT, the singer said: “I know when that lovely guy (Queen’s Park goalkeeper Calum Ferrie) saved a penalty me and my son danced around the room, jumped over his sofa, went absolutely beserk!
“But listen, and I’ve said this, we need a strong Rangers, we need the competition, we need a stong Hibs, Hearts, anybody you know because it’s beginning to be absolutely to watch Celtic now.
“It’s so easy for them so we need some strength up there in opposition.”
Brendan Rodgers side need a bigger test on a weekly basis
Football Insider Verdict
While those connected with Celtic will no doubt enjoy dominating things from a domestic perspective, it could help them in Europe if they had some closer competition.
Celtic were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Wednesday (12 February), when they were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty.
It could be argued that if they were to be challenged more regularly in Scotland, they would be used to having to up their game more when it comes to matches against the big European sides.
Considering how close they ran Bayern there, that could help push Rodgers’ side to some big wins that would provide a huge boost both on and off the pitch.
But despite calls for Rangers manager Philippe Clement to go in the wake of that defeat to Queen’s Park, the Belgian remains at Ibrox for now.
There may therefore be questions about whether Stewart will get to see Celtic face that extra challenge he wants for them any time soon.