BBC Sportscene pundit Michael Stewart has criticised Rangers manager Philippe Clement for his remarks on respect post-match against Kilmarnock and believes the Ibrox boss got the wrong end of the stick.
Clement’s comments came Brendan Rodgers said he was looking to have a little bit of fun next week when the Glasgow Derby comes around, thin skinned Clement didn’t want to let it lie and branded the Celtic manager disrespectful.
Stewart took issue with Clement’s approach to sportsmanship after the Rangers’ unexpected 3-2 loss to Ross County, where Clement initially bypassed the post-match handshake with opposing manager Don Cowie. Although Clement returned to the pitch to complete the gesture later after he was told to, Stewart argued that this lapse raised questions about his standing to discuss respect in football.
During the broadcast, Stewart highlighted the pressure that might be affecting Clement, saying, “Look, I think what you can see is a bit of pressure and people react in different ways.” He acknowledged Clement’s point about Rangers closing the point gap with Celtic from seven to three but criticised the manager’s choice to vocalise it himself. “It is better when somebody else is saying that rather than him trying to emphasise the point,” Stewart added.
Stewart also responded to Clement’s retort to Brendan Rodgers. “I don’t think it is disrespectful when you listen to the way that Brendan Rodgers came out and said it. I like to give Philippe Clement a little bit of leeway but I don’t think he is on safe ground when he is talking about respect,” Stewart noted.
The upcoming derby at Celtic Park is huge for both sides. Prickly Clement is clearly feeling thr heat. And Michael Stewart was spot on about what Rodgers was actually saying. In most derbies this season, Rodgers always bogs them up as the big clashes you’re excited to be participate in and his comments were an extension of that.
As tensions build, both fans and players are keenly aware of the implications of the next meeting, there’s much more than three points on the line.
