Scott Brown shows Celtic class over Rangers as he admits being "outplayed"

By David Walton

December 30, 2019

Celtic captain Scott Brown has shown the class that exists between us and Rangers off the pitch, after admitting that we were “outplayed” in the last two derbies.

Neil Lennon’s men have undoubtedly put in a couple of highly-frustrating displays against Rangers. The Betfred Cup final we all hoped was a one-off. However, Rangers came to Parkhead and still bossed us to leave with a 2-1 win.

Our captain has therefore been open and honest enough to admit that we’ve been well beaten by our Ibrox foes. Speaking in the Scottish Sun, here’s Broony’s exact words:

“Rangers played quite well. They closed us down and we didn’t play as well as we could have. We need to learn now, because that’s two games in a row now where they have probably outplayed us.

“They closed the middle of the park, as they always do when they play against us, and we couldn’t get our wingers into the game quickly enough.”

A lesson in class for Connor Goldson

Brown deserves credit for his honesty. Considering the abuse he receives from rival fans, it must be more difficult for Brown than anyone to give them praise.

Neil Lennon’s Celtic were well beaten yesterday (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

And it’s in stark contrast to how Connor Goldson described his games with Celtic over the last 16 months. Despite previously having only won two of seven derbies before yesterday, Goldson stated his side had never been outplayed by Celtic (Scottish Sun).

There’s a real lack of admittance over Ibrox way whenever we get a result against them. Granted, they had a point not to talk us up after our Betfred Cup win. However, Celtic’s 2-0 success at Ibrox should’ve at least brought a bit of class from Govan. It didn’t. Instead, Steven Gerrard was quick to say that we didn’t dominate or outplay his team (The Scotsman).

The idea of Celtic dominating them in a game is too much for them to comprehend. It’s not something Rangers will ever admit to happening. It stresses a real differing of class between the clubs.

Brown knows all about seeing off Rangers (Michael Steele/Getty Images)

With Brown openly admitting we’re struggling against Rangers, it should stand us in good stead. For supporters, it helps us see that there’s no delusion in the camp about where we’re at. It’s time we start treating them with respect, even if it is only one way. Ultimately, that’s how we’ll beat them to the title.

So fair play to our captain and leader. He won’t get the praise he deserves for the class he’s showed post-match. But at the very least, it’ll hopefully prove a lesson in dignity for Gerrard and Goldson.