“That’s the way it goes. We know Rangers are a good side but today is a bit of a hollow victory for us,” Chris Sutton stated after a hard fought 4-0 Celtic win away to Kilmarnock in 2003.
“I think everybody could have virtually predicted the result at Ibrox before kick-off. Well, many people did,” the now media commentator stated.
Rangers had won 6-1 against Dunfermline at Ibrox to win the title on goal difference. Coming just days after the huge disappointment in Seville it was a tough day for the Celtic players and support.
“It is disappointing from the players who have put the effort in. We knew they’d lie down and they have done,” continued Sutton.
When asked if he thought the Pars had not been professional, Sutton said: “You would have to ask their manager and players.”
That drew a furious response from Dunfermline, who said they were looking into the Sutton comments and deciding whether any further action could be taken. They felt they could have a case for defamation.
No such case was ever brought although the SFA moved to sanction Sutton for bringing the game into disrepute.
The SFA spokesman said: “It has been referred to the General Purposes Committee on a potential charge of bringing the game into disrepute. I don’t have a date when that will come to a head, but it will be looked at some time during the close season.”
Sutton was subsequently suspended for his outburst, presumed guilty from start to finish by the SFA.
Dunfermline never did sue Sutton, did we mention that?
Dunfermline Chairman John Yorkston had this to say though,”I think it is just sour grapes on his part. You would be better asking him what was on his mind (when he said that). Let’s all calm down for a day or two and see what happens. We will be back in the country on Friday, we will look at the tapes then and we will know better then. The squad are away in Magalluf at the moment and we don’t want to be distracted by his (Sutton’s) comments. We will look at it when we get back.”
Celtic fans, reacting to all of this in 2003 were accused of being paranoid.
Some would say they weren’t paranoid enough. Developing story…
