ANDY ROBERTSON FIRMLY CALLS OUT CELTIC LEGEND FOR THE COMMENT HE MADE ABOUT HIM AND THE TEAM BEFORE DENMARK GAME
Scotland captain Andy Robertson has condemned what he described as unnecessary and disrespectful pre match comments made about him and the national team before their crucial World Cup qualifier against Denmark. The full back, who delivered one of his most influential performances in recent memory, said the remarks only strengthened the squads resolve.
Scotland produced a spirited and clinical display at Hampden Park, winning 4 : 2 in a match full of intensity, quality and attacking conviction. It was a victory that not only boosted their World Cup hopes but also allowed the players to answer some of the doubters who had cast shadows over the teams capability and leadership.
Robertson reserved part of his post match interview to address a social media post by former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, who had questioned the defenders influence and the teams readiness in the hours leading up to kick off. The Liverpool star said the entire squad had seen the remarks and were left stunned by the tone of the criticism. There is giving an opinion, and then there is ridicule, Robertson said. What was said before the game was unnecessary, and every player felt it.
The Scotland captain insisted he had no issue with fair analysis but believed Suttons comments crossed a line. We are used to being judged. It comes with playing at this level, he said. But when someone chooses to mock your leadership or the belief within this squad, the whole team takes notice. That sort of thing does not knock us. It fires us up.
That fire was evident from the opening whistle. Scotland started aggressively, pressing high and unsettling Denmarks rhythm. Denmark grab an early consolation, but the scoreline reflected Scotlands superiority.
After the match, Robertson said the performance was partly fuelled by the desire to prove a point. We did not speak much about the comment in the dressing room, he noted, but everyone saw it and everyone felt it. When the whistle goes, you want to show what you are really made of. Winning tonight was not about answering one person. It was about showing the whole country what this team can achieve.
Manager Steve Clarke backed his captains stance and praised the leadership Robertson displayed throughout the match. Andys influence is enormous, Clarke said. He leads with his attitude, his work rate and his composure. People can say what they want from the outside. It does not change what we see every day. This group is together, focused and fully committed.
Clarke also brushed aside the external noise that circulated before the game, stressing that the squads priorities remained solely on performance. Football will always have opinions, he added. But the players gave the perfect response by playing with belief, courage and quality.
Sutton has not yet issued a direct reply to Robertsons remarks, though the original post remained widely shared and debated online after Scotlands win. Some fans defended the pundits right to give blunt assessments, while others accused him of undermining the national team at a crucial moment. The debate is likely to continue, but within the Scotland camp the matter appears to be considered closed.
The victory has dramatically lifted the atmosphere surrounding the national team, with Hampden erupting at full time as supporters stayed behind to applaud a performance full of flair and determination. Many fans chanted Robertsons name, a gesture the captain described as humbling.
They are incredible, Robertson said. When they believe in us and when they push us like that, it lifts the whole stadium. Tonight felt special, not because of any comments before the game, but because Scotland showed what we can be.
With qualification now within reach, Robertson urged his teammates to maintain focus. We cannot let the standard drop, he warned. This is the level we need to play at every time. We have beaten a top team and proved doubters wrong. Now we need to build on it.
For Scotland, the message is clear. External criticism may make noise, but internal belief wins matches. And on a night when leadership was questioned, Robertson delivered the answer on the pitch.
