The opening of the Scottish Premiership season brought an unexpected torrent of criticism for Rangers FC, as former Celtic star Chris Sutton unleashed a scathing verbal attack on the Ibrox side following their disappointing draw. This public dressing-down echoed earlier strong sentiments from manager Russell Martin, setting a tense tone for the campaign.

Sutton expressed profound astonishment at Russell Martin’s “machine gun rant” directed at his own players, particularly given it was the very first day of competitive action. The renowned sports commentator suggested that for a manager to go to such extremes so early implies a deep-seated concern about the quality of his current Rangers squad, perhaps deeming them “rank rotten.”

Adding to his critique, Chris Sutton voiced considerable displeasure regarding Rangers skipper James Tavernier’s uninspired “stock answers” in the aftermath of Emmanuel Longelo’s late equaliser. This lack of genuine accountability from the captain, following an early lead from Tavernier himself, seemed to particularly irk the pundit.

During his appearance on Sky Sports, Sutton highlighted the unusual and arguably desperate nature of Martin’s immediate post-match outburst. He questioned the manager’s decision to “fillet” his team so publicly, especially at the start of a new season, a move almost unprecedented in professional football management, leading to intense Football Analysis.

The Celtic legend firmly posited that Russell Martin must harbour serious doubts about his players’ capabilities, suggesting his candid remarks indicated he “must think they are rank rotten.” Sutton argued that such a severe public rebuke early on points to a deeper issue, speculating about a potential ego problem within the Rangers dressing room.

Sutton did not shy away from singling out individual performances, branding midfielder Kieran Dowell a “disgrace” for a notably meek tackle that directly preceded Longelo’s crucial goal. This pinpointed criticism further underscored the defensive frailties observed within the Rangers FC setup.

The discussion also extended to the attacking lineup, with Sutton, alongside fellow pundits Kris Boyd and James McFadden, openly expressing contempt for Danilo being preferred over Cyriel Dessers. This tactical decision, combined with the overall team performance, fueled the widespread Sports Commentary regarding Rangers’ early season struggles in the Scottish Premiership.

The intensity of this early-season criticism from Chris Sutton and the pre-existing pressure from Russell Martin’s own comments signifies a volatile start for Rangers, placing immediate scrutiny on the team’s mental fortitude and tactical execution as they navigate the challenging Premiership campaign ahead.