BT Sport pundit Chris Sutton has claimed that Motherwell captain Peter Hartley should have been banned for the game against Rangers after he scored a last-minute equaliser in their 3-3 draw on Sunday.
Hartley struck home a volley from Gael Bigirimana’s 94th-minute corner to break Rangers hearts, with his goal coming just a few days after he claimed it was “fun to watch” Gers defender Fabio Cardoso “weep” after breaking his nose against them last season.
Following the game, former Celtic striker Sutton made the big claim that Hartley should not have been playing for Motherwell against the Light Blues, and said his goal will be a real “slap in the face” for Steven Gerrard’s side.
“I don’t think he should have been playing this game, you know, I think he should have been banned for the game and he gets the equaliser. You know it’s damaging for Rangers, they needed to see that through. It’s a slap in the face,” said Sutton.
"I don't think Peter Hartley should have been playing."
"That is a slap in the face for Rangers."@chris_sutton73 gets a stern glare from Alex Rae for his view on the goal that cost Rangers all three points ? pic.twitter.com/7mPuHITjNV
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 26, 2018
OPINION
Hartley’s goal was most certainly a kick in the teeth for Rangers after his comments in midweek, with the Gers dropping two valuable points after dominating much of the game. However, Sutton’s claim that Hartley should have been banned looks to be slightly extreme. Yes, his words were misinformed and should never have been said in public, but he immediately apologised after realising his mistake. A ban would surely have been a bit harsh for Hartley, although Rangers would no doubt have welcomed it. In truth, Gerrard’s men only have themselves to blame for conceding the equaliser. Allan McGregor could probably have punched the cross clear, and James Tavernier did poorly in allowing Hartley to get round the back of him. Lessons must be learned from this going forward if they are to challenge for the title this season, with the Light Blues defence looking shaky all match despite their brilliant form in recent weeks.