Chris Sutton’s stance on the controversial Ryan Christie situation with the SFA might come as a surprise to a number of Celtic fans.
Chris Sutton remains a popular figure amongst Celtic fans as a result of his career in football media following his retirement from the game. And in a world largely dominated by those with very few nice things to say about the Hoops, the Englishman’s presence is a breath of fresh air.
The international break has been a very controversial one to say the least, as a number of players have tested positive and questions have been raised behind the thought process of organising these games in the midst of a global pandemic. It has clearly increased the risk of players being exposed to the virus.
The Celtic midfielder was ordered to spend 14 days in self isolation after it was adjudged that he along with Kieran Tierney had come in contact with Stuart Armstrong, who returned a positive test. Both players have insisted though that they maintained social distancing and have done nothing wrong. Both of them have also tested negative since then. Sutton is siding with the Scottish authorities on this occasion though.
Sutton though is of the opinion that Celtic cannot complain. He wrote in his column in the Daily Record:
"Celtic have every right to be disappointed at losing Ryan Christie for the Old Firm game.Neil Lennon has good reason to be frustrated that Odsonne Edouard will be in self-isolation basically until kick-off time against Rangers.But the bottom line is Celtic can’t complain. No club can complain."
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The biggest problem with this situation are the various rules depending on the nationality. Edouard, who tested positive for the virus, is required to spend 10 days in self-isolation. Christie, on the other hand, is required to spend 14 days on the suspicion that he had come in close contact with Armstrong, something that he has denied doing.
Or let’s take the example of Xhardan Shaqiri as given by Sutton himself. He missed Switzerland’s game against Croatia after testing positive at the start of the week but is now allowed to play against Spain after his latest test returned negative.
Of course, the most important thing in this situation is the health of the players and those around them. And if that means them missing a couple of games, then be it. But it is undeniable that some of the rules are all over the place and need rethinking.