Rangers hero has sickening feeling over Celtic title chances as busy Ibrox transfer window expected
The former Aston Villa and Tottenham man has a ‘funny feeling’ Celtic will win the league after the controversial VAR incident
Ex Rangers defender Alan Hutton claims Celtic are now favourite to win the league after the events of their 3-2 win over Motherwell at Fir Park.
With the match finely balanced at 2-2, the Hoops were awarded a dubious penalty in the last minute, when Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Referee John Beaton overturned his original decision after being sent to the monitor by VAR Andrew Dallas. Kelechi Iheanacho scored the resulting spot kick, meaning the Hoops now just need to beat Hearts on Saturday to retain their league crown.
On the same night, things went from bad to worse for Danny Rohl and Rangers, as they suffered their fourth defeat on the trot at home to Hibernian. A Thelo Aasgaard free kick cancelled out Martin Boyle’s opener before Dane Scarlett struck late to steal it for the visitors. After the match, the Rangers boss announced he’s planning a rebuild for the summer, something which Hutton agrees is necessary for his former side.
Rangers man worried Celtic will nick title
Hearts, who defeated Falkirk 3-0 at Tynecastle, have been top of the pile for the majority of the season, but Iheanacho’s goal means Celtic now just need to beat them by any scoreline when the two face at Parkhead on Saturday. After Wednesday night’s events, Hutton is worried that the stars are aligning for the holders. He told SpreadEx: “From the Celtic’s win at Motherwell, the VAR decision is obviously the big talking point.
“I don’t think it should have been a penalty. The camera angle isn’t great, and I would say that the officials came to a decision much too quickly. Hearts did their bit, winning easily, so the gap is only a point going into the final game. It could’ve been greater, but they’ll still be happy knowing the title is in their control. It’s been a fantastic season and for the title to be decided on the final day, it’s going to be incredible to watch and I’m really looking forward to seeing how things end.
“I've got a bad feeling that Celtic are going to win it, though – that's my honest opinion. Hearts have been outstanding all year, but away from home, particularly recently, they’ve struggled slightly. Playing at Celtic Park, in front of 60,000 fans with the chance to win a first league title in more than 60 years, that’s a huge, huge ask. But if any team can do it, Hearts are more than capable. I've got a funny feeling Celtic will win, but let's see.”
Hutton says summer rebuild is required at Ibrox
The Hibs fixture marked the last game at Ibrox for captain James Tavernier, who was omitted from the matchday squad. Loanees Mikey Moore, Nasser Djiga and Jayden Meghoma will also be returning to their parent clubs. Hutton won’t be surprised to see a new look line up at Ibrox next season. He continued: “It will definitely help Danny Rohl to have a full preseason with his players. He’s been in the job a while now, but it does help to start from scratch with a new group.
“He’ll be looking at the current group and asking whether they are good enough, particularly in attacking areas. The players will need to look at themselves in the mirror too. It will be interesting to see how much money Rohl will have to spend. He may have to shift a few players out, to make space for the signings he wants to make. And then it will be important for the transfer activity to be all sorted well before the start of the new season. It’ll be an interesting summer, but Rohl is definitely the right guy to move the club forward.”