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“That’s Pretty Low, Tavernier – Get a Grip”
Chris Sutton Slams Rangers Captain as James Tavernier Responds to Derby Backlash

The build-up to tomorrow’s explosive Old Firm clash has taken another dramatic twist, with Rangers captain James Tavernier finding himself under heavy fire following comments made ahead of the showdown with Celtic.

Tavernier, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, sparked outrage after remarks that many fans and pundits felt crossed the line. What was intended as confidence quickly turned into controversy, prompting fierce criticism — most notably from former Celtic striker Chris Sutton.

🗣️ “That’s pretty low. It’s a shocking comment ahead of a match like this,” Sutton said.
“From a player of his calibre, it’s disgraceful. He should know better — he’s the captain.”

The reaction was swift and brutal. Social media lit up within minutes, with supporters accusing Tavernier of disrespecting not just Celtic, but the fixture itself. Even some Rangers fans questioned whether their skipper had gone too far on the eve of such a high-stakes encounter.

Amid the growing backlash, Tavernier is believed to have addressed the situation, offering a response that attempted to cool tensions while standing by his competitive mindset.

🗣️ “People are taking it the wrong way,” Tavernier reportedly said.
“This is the biggest derby in Scotland — emotions run high. I’ve got massive respect for Celtic and their players, but once you cross that white line, it’s about winning for your club. That’s all I meant.”

The Rangers captain also stressed that his focus remains firmly on the pitch.

🗣️ “I’m not here to create headlines. I’m here to lead my team and give everything for the badge. Anything said outside football won’t matter once the game starts.”

With tensions already at boiling point, Tavernier’s comments — and Sutton’s scathing response — have only added another layer of intensity to a derby that rarely needs extra drama.

Come kickoff, words will mean nothing. Only actions will.