BBC journalist Tom English has ripped into Rangers coach Michael Beale whilst making a key Celtic comparison.
The Ibrox figure stated in an interview with Rangers TV that they perform better in Europe because it’s more to do with technical ability than the Scottish game. He blamed Scottish football’s long-ball nature for Rangers’ struggles, whilst also saying that games are refereed differently.
Yet, that doesn’t explain why Celtic have managed to adapt to both Scottish and European football. Whilst we progressed to the last-32 of the Europa League, the Hoops have also built up a 12-point lead in Scotland having only lost two matches.
And speaking on BBC Sportsound yesterday (02/03), English was happy to take the comments apart after reading them out.
“He says they are more suited to European football. Where does Michael think that Rangers play!? Portugal, Spain, Holland? It’s incredible. It’s an extraordinary comment.
“That’s ignoring all the money they have spent going up against teams who have the fraction, a tiny fraction of their budget and are beating Rangers. Also ignoring the fact if Scotland is a long ball country adapt to it like Celtic have. Celtic have adapted to it.
“No matter the circumstances domestically they find a way of winning and have signed the right players with the right mentality. You saw it yesterday against St Johnstone. Far from a stellar Celtic performance but they dug it out and found a way to win because they are good pros who understand what it is to be a Celtic player.”
Laughable from Beale
There’s actually probably merit in his comments about officiating. Games are certainly refereed differently on the continent than in Scotland. However, it’s hardly the reason for Rangers’ poor domestic form.
It’s like English says. If that’s the case when why are Celtic absolutely flying in Scotland whilst also impressing throughout their European campaign this season? Yes, we didn’t get past Copenhagen due to individual errors, but as a collective it was an impressive season.
Beale is trying to paint this picture of Scottish football being too into the unfashionable elements of football. He’s dressing it up as if Rangers are all about technique and class on the ball compared to the rest of Scotland.
However, Celtic have more class and skill on the ball than anyone. The difference between us and Rangers is that we roll the sleeves up and get ready for the right to showcase those talents. The Ibrox club simply can’t do what we do.
It’s great to see a journalist take apart Beale’s comments and put him right. English, to his credit, has done just that whilst also acknowledging the success we’ve had this season.
Not that it will change the perception of things at Ibrox. The self-entitlement that ripples throughout that club will remain there long for as long as we watch football.
What did you make of Beale’s comments on Scottish football? Why has he chosen to ignore to Celtic’s form? Give us your verdict in the discussion forum below.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
