Celtic have been handed a psychological boost in their pursuit of the Scottish Premiership crown after Rangers’ match against Dundee was postponed again yesterday due to a waterlogged pitch.
In light of this, the Bhoys can move four points clear at the summit if they can defeat St Mirren at Parkhead this Saturday.
Nevertheless, controversy has emerged in Scottish footballing circles regarding the call-off, prompting Hoops icon Chris Sutton and Daily Mail journalist Ian Ladyman to trade some interesting verbals involving Celtic over a solution to the issues witnessed at Dens Park.
Chris Sutton and Ian Ladyman trade verbals involving Celtic
Speaking on the latest edition of the It’s All Kicking Off podcast, Ladyman kicked off after initial conversations centred around why Tannadice, Dundee United’s home stadium for anyone not familiar with Scottish football, is in pristine condition despite only being a matter of yards away from Dens Park.
Ladyman kicked off, stating: “Do the standards of playing surface have to be as high as the Championship in the Scottish Premiership? Answer that question.”
Sutton replied in humorous fashion: “In your journalistic career, have you ever asked such a stupid question? Think about what you just asked me, and I’ll give you a chance to retract that question.”
Ladyman then said: “You and Rangers appear to be the ones suggesting that Dundee are getting these games called off on purpose.”
Sutton: “They’re not, but they should’ve managed the ground better than what they have done.”
Ladyman then involved Celtic in the discussion: “Here’s a thought, what about if Celtic and Rangers give some of the other smaller Scottish Premiership clubs some of their money? Maybe they can have better pitches!”
Sutton then turned the suggestion on Ladyman, stating: “Why are you turning this into a Scottish thing? Why don’t clubs down south do that?”
Ladyman: “Maybe if the Scottish Premiership wasn’t such an uneven playing field, then this wouldn’t happen.”
Sutton then ended the conversation tongue-in-cheek: “That’s totally ridiculous from you, what I think might happen or the fairest outcome is they give both teams a point.” Ladyman laughed in response.
Celtic won’t be too fussed about events that occur elsewhere
Internally, Celtic won’t be too fussed over their rivals’ match against Dundee succumbing to the elements on Wednesday evening, and it wasn’t exactly a surprise, factoring in the Dees’ recent problems with their much-maligned pitch.
Brendan Rodgers was appointed at Parkhead to focus solely on matters in the east end of the city, though I’m sure he won’t turn his nose up at the chance for the Bhoys to move four points clear at the top if they can get the better of Stephen Robinson’s St Mirren.
Once our clash against the Buddies concludes, difficult post-split fixtures lay in wait; nevertheless, the Irishman has fostered a new-found confidence among the group that can only bode well heading into the run-in.
Hopefully, the players and manager can continue to put their best foot forward as we plot a domestic domestic double.