Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has reportedly called in Police after receiving death threats in the wake of his outspoken comments over referee John Beaton’s failure to send off Rangers’ Alfredo Morelos during the Glasgow derby at New Year.
The BT Sport pundit and Daily Record columnist received the threats in the wake of the derby game on the 29th December, subsequently reporting it to Police near his home in England.
Speaking to the Daily Record, Sutton said: “I don’t want to go into any detail as this is a private matter and it is now in the hands of the police.
“Suffice to say, I have seen what’s been sent and it wasn’t a particularly pleasant thing to receive.”
It is not the first time that the outspoken pundit has received threats. Back in 2016, Police and Rangers officials advised BT Sport to hire bodyguards for the former Celtic striker’s safety at Ibrox.
Days after the derby game, Sutton wrote an article firing a scathing attack on the Scottish FA over their failure to punish Morelos retrospectively for three violent acts during the game where he kicked out at Scott Brown, stamped on Anthony Ralston and punched Ryan Christie all off the ball. A fourth incident where Morelos forearm smashed Christie was never picked up by the media or Scottish FA.
Sutton claimed that the decision not to take any action looked ‘like a stitch-up‘ and branded the Scottish FA further as ‘shambolic’ and ‘buffoonery of the highest order’.
Known for his outspoken views on football north and south of the border, Sutton is also one of the biggest defenders of our game and while ridiculed in some quarters, he has been praised by the majority of fans for taking to task numerous English pundits over their comments in recent years – including his regular sparring partner Robbie Savage.
News of Sutton being on the end of death threats follows on referee John Beaton who also received abuse and threats in the wake of the derby game after his contact details were mysteriously leaked online with the Police now involved in that matter as well.
Following said threats, Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: “It is with deep dismay that, in the last 24 hours, we learned of one of our match officials having had threats made against him and his family.
“We are in close contact with those involved and with Police Scotland to ensure they are safe and that those responsible are identified and held accountable for their actions. This is not the first time in recent weeks that our match officials have been targeted.
“Another referee was allegedly threatened and assaulted at a lower-league game prior to Christmas. These incidents are isolated but they are unacceptable and extremely concerning when they occur.”
But rather than taking time off from officiating in the face of such abuse and threats, Beaton was back in action at the weekend as he refereed the Championship match between Ayr United and Falkirk – albeit with a Police escort into Somerset Park.