ALAN THOMPSON has sensationally claimed that Chris Sutton was speaking on behalf of his teammates when he accused Dunfermline of lying down to Rangers, allowing them to win the League Title by a single goal in 2003. The ex-Celtic midfielder was part of the side that agonisingly fell short in Seville but also finished the season empty handed.
Speaking to BBC Sportsound’s podcast, Thompson revealed that he believed that Sutton’s remarks echoed the thinking of the Celtic dressing room, who were deflated after following agonisingly close.
“I think we all had the feeling but Chris was the one who had the interview on the day and he said what we were all thinking to be honest.
“He took the brunt of it. I think he got a three or four game ban which was harsh.
“He was speaking his mind. It was his opinion, it was our opinion.
“For Rangers to win by that many goals, and we watched some of the goals after the game, it didn’t look right.
“It didn’t look like it should have happened that way, but it did, we have to live with it.
“I’m not sure about that season. I don’t think Rangers had won by seven [six]goals anywhere in the season and it all so happens that they go and bang seven [six]on the last day.
“It is what it is. We lost the title.”
Thompson missed a penalty as Celtic won 4-0 against Killie but the result in Govan meant McLeish’s side would take the title. A late Arteta penalty sealed the title but a lot of people knew that it would be an uphill battle for Celtic going into the last day.
After the game at Rugby Park, Sutton gave an interview to the press in which he called Rangers’ victory a hollow one considering the Dunfermline players hadn’t put the effort in to stop Rangers win 6-1.
“We knew Rangers were a good side, but today is a bit of a hollow victory for them.
“I think everybody could have virtually predicted the result at Ibrox before kick-off. Well, many people did.
“It is disappointing from the players who have put the effort in. We knew they’d lie down and they have done.”
