Chris Sutton has labelled Leigh Griffiths as “out of order” for tying a scarf around the goalposts following Friday’s victory over Linfield, while also slamming the referee for booking the Celtic striker for time wasting after having a bottle thrown at him.
The 26-year-old, who is known for provoking Rangers fans during Old Firm clashes continued his reputation after starting Friday’s 2-0 Champions League victory at Windsor Park.
It was an encounter which was expected to get heated after the draw was made earlier in the summer with Linfield holding a close relationship with the Ibrox side.
Griffiths then played the pantomime villain role as he was said to have made a gesture to supporters, which referenced Celtic’s 5-1 win over Rangers last season.
The striker then had a bottle of Buckfast thrown at him when going to take a corner, which Alejandro Jose Hernandez booked him for as he felt the Scotland international was time wasting.
Now, former striker Sutton, who is never shy to air his opinions has told that he felt Griffiths was “out of order” for his own actions, but slammed the referee, stating he should not officiate at a level as high as the Champions League.
“The referee has a duty of care to the players, for the players safety,” told Sutton speaking on BT Sport on Saturday afternoon, as shown by the official BT Sport Football Twitter account.
“To get booked when a bottle nearly hit him was absolutely ridiculous. The referee shouldn’t ref at that level if he’s not going to look after the players.
“Shameful scenes. I have to say at the end of the game Leigh Griffiths was provocative tying a scarf to the post, that was out of order, but the bigger picture is that it’s shocking and I hope that yellow card gets rescinded because that could affect Celtic down the line.”
"The referee shouldn't ref at that level." ?
Chris Sutton has his say on Leigh Griffiths' bizarre Belfast booking. pic.twitter.com/e1krKmB9OG
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 15, 2017
Celtic will now face Linfield for the second-leg of the Champions League qualifying second-round at Parkhead of Wednesday and officials will be aiming for further control of the encounter.