Sport Nation 2In a tense Scottish Premiership encounter between Ross County and Celtic, Nicolas Kuhn’s late goal sealed a 2-1 victory for the Hoops, keeping their unbeaten run alive. However, the aftermath of the match saw a heated exchange between former Celtic striker Chris Sutton and ex-Rangers forward Kris Boyd, who criticized Kuhn’s celebration after his match-winning goal. Boyd’s disapproval of the German winger’s celebration, where Kuhn jumped into the crowd, sparked a social media response from Sutton, who defended both the player and Celtic’s performance.
Boyd’s Criticism of Kuhn’s Celebration
The match’s decisive moment came in the 88th minute when Kuhn latched onto a counter-attack to net a superb goal, breaking the deadlock after a tough game. The winger’s celebration, which saw him jump into the away section of the crowd, drew the ire of Kris Boyd, who suggested Kuhn should have been shown a second yellow card for the action. Under football’s current rules, players are often booked for excessive celebrations, especially when they enter the stands. Boyd, known for his outspoken views, questioned why the referee did not penalize Kuhn for what he believed was a bookable offense.
Boyd’s comments came in his usual style, focusing on the technicalities of the game, but his stance didn’t sit well with many in the Celtic camp. For Boyd, the issue was not Kuhn’s goal or its impact on the match but rather the player’s conduct afterward. His remarks were rooted in the idea that rules should be uniformly applied, and he expressed disappointment that the German international wasn’t punished for his overzealous celebration.
Sutton’s Fiery Response
Chris Sutton, a Celtic legend and now a prominent football pundit, was quick to respond to Boyd’s critique. Taking to Twitter, Sutton not only dismissed Boyd’s complaints but also used the opportunity to celebrate Celtic’s gritty performance. In his tweet, Sutton praised the contributions of the substitutes, highlighting their impact on the game. “Celtic huffed and puffed and finally got there,” he tweeted, acknowledging the team’s struggle to break down Ross County’s resolute defense. He added that players like McCowan and Kyogo were instrumental in the team’s comeback, while Forrest, often seen as an elder statesman in the squad, also showed sharpness.
Sutton saved his strongest words for Boyd’s comments about Kuhn’s celebration, sarcastically brushing off Boyd’s criticism. “Kris Boyd didn’t like him celebrating the winner… dear me,” Sutton wrote, showing clear disdain for Boyd’s focus on what he viewed as a trivial matter. For Sutton, the focus should be on Celtic’s ability to come back and win the match, not on whether a player’s celebration crossed a line.
Sutton has long been a staunch defender of Celtic, particularly when it comes to criticism from figures associated with their Glasgow rivals, Rangers. His response to Boyd reflected the broader frustration among Celtic supporters, who have often accused Boyd of being biased in his commentary. Sutton’s refusal to entertain Boyd’s criticism demonstrated his commitment to defending his former club from what he views as unnecessary and negative commentary.
The Impact of Kuhn’s Goal
The game itself was a hard-fought affair, with Ross County putting in a disciplined defensive performance to frustrate Celtic for large portions of the match. The Hoops had initially struggled to find a way past County’s backline, but their persistence eventually paid off when a deflection off Alistair Johnston brought them back on level terms. Ross County had taken an early lead, but as the match wore on, Celtic’s dominance became more pronounced.
Kuhn’s goal, which came from a swift counter-attack, was a moment of brilliance in a game that had otherwise been characterized by defensive solidity and cautious play. Bursting down the right wing, Kuhn outran his marker and finished with composure, sending the traveling Celtic fans into raptures. His decision to celebrate with the away support, while perhaps ill-advised given the rules, was an expression of pure joy and relief after a tough match.
The late winner secured all three points for Celtic, keeping them at the top of the Scottish Premiership table and preserving their unbeaten run. For the Hoops, the result was crucial as they aim to maintain momentum in the title race, particularly with their rivals breathing down their necks.
Boyd vs. Sutton: A Continued Rivalry
The exchange between Boyd and Sutton is just the latest chapter in their ongoing rivalry, which has often played out in the media. Boyd, who had a prolific career with Rangers, has never shied away from offering his opinions on Celtic, often to the chagrin of their supporters. Sutton, on the other hand, has built a reputation as one of Celtic’s fiercest defenders, using his platform as a pundit to counteract criticism aimed at his former club.
Their public spats are emblematic of the intense rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, which extends far beyond the pitch. For supporters of both clubs, figures like Boyd and Sutton often become symbols of the broader divide, with each fanbase rallying behind their respective pundit. Sutton’s defense of Celtic, especially when it comes to Boyd’s critiques, is seen by many Celtic fans as a necessary counterbalance to what they view as biased commentary from the former Rangers striker.
Focus on the Performance, Not the Celebration
While Boyd’s critique of Kuhn’s celebration was rooted in the rulebook, Sutton and the wider Celtic community were more concerned with the team’s performance and result. For them, Kuhn’s late winner was a moment of triumph, and the ensuing celebration was a natural reaction to the dramatic nature of the goal. While the debate over player conduct and the application of the rules will continue, for most fans, the result on the pitch is what matters most.
Celtic’s victory over Ross County was hard-earned, and the contributions of the substitutes, as highlighted by Sutton, were key to turning the game around. Players like McCowan, Kyogo, and Forrest brought fresh energy to the team, allowing them to break down a stubborn Ross County side. Kuhn’s goal was the culmination of that effort, and while his celebration may have been controversial in some quarters, it was ultimately a moment of joy for the team and their supporters.
Conclusion
The back-and-forth between Chris Sutton and Kris Boyd following Celtic’s 2-1 win over Ross County highlights the ongoing rivalry between the two former players, as well as the tribal nature of Scottish football punditry. While Boyd focused on the technicalities of Nicolas Kuhn’s celebration, Sutton and the Celtic fans were more interested in celebrating a hard-fought victory that keeps their team at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Ultimately, Kuhn’s goal and the three points it secured were what mattered most to the Hoops, even if the debate over his celebration will continue to rumble on.
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