Carragher slams Tavernier for ‘Dumb Dog’ jibe as Sutton considers legal action

Jamie Carragher has criticised Rangers captain James Tavernier for calling former Celtic striker and pundit Chris Sutton a “dumb dog,” saying such instagram joke remarks reflect a wider pattern of disrespect from the Ibrox club towards media figures.

The former Liverpool and England defender was speaking on a football podcast when he addressed Tavernier’s comments, which came after Sutton questioned Rangers’ recent European performances and leadership.

Carragher said the Rangers skipper had “crossed the line” with his choice of words and urged players to show more professionalism when responding to criticism from pundits.

“Calling someone a ‘dumb dog’ isn’t banter it’s a lack of respect,” Carragher said. “Chris Sutton does what every pundit does: gives an opinion. You don’t have to like it, but when you’re captain of Rangers, there’s a standard to uphold.

Rangers, as a club, seem to have a problem taking criticism. They’re always firing back instead of focusing on performances.”

Carragher, now a Sky Sports analyst, added that Sutton was entitled to pursue legal advice over the insult.

“If someone called me that on a public platform, I’d definitely look at legal options,” he said. “Chris has been targeted before, and this one feels personal.”

Background: The instagram post that sparked debate

The controversy began after Sutton made comments on a radio show questioning Tavernier’s leadership following Rangers’ defeat in the Europa League group stage. Sutton suggested that Tavernier “talks like a winner but doesn’t always lead like one.”

In response, Tavernier was quoted as calling Sutton “a dumb dog always barking who doesn’t understand what it takes to wear this badge.”

The social media’s post quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike.

While many Rangers supporters defended their captain, others  including several neutral commentators  said the tone was “unnecessary and inflammatory,” particularly given Sutton’s long-standing history of criticism towards the Glasgow club.

Sutton ‘disappointed but not surprised’

Speaking to BBC Sport Scotland, Sutton described the insult as “childish” and said he was exploring his options after consulting with representatives.

“I’ve been called worse, but this one felt personal,” Sutton said. “When you’re captain of Rangers, you’re representing more than just yourself. There’s a line between defending your team and throwing insults.

It’s disappointing, but not surprising, given how Rangers have handled criticism in recent years.”

Sutton, who played for Celtic between 2000 and 2006, has often found himself at the centre of Rangers-related disputes due to his outspoken analysis. In 2021, he was famously denied access to Ibrox while working as a broadcaster for BT Sport, a decision that drew complaints from the network.

Rangers remain silent

Rangers have yet to issue an official statement regarding Tavernier’s comment. When contacted by BBC Sport, the club declined to comment on “individual media disputes.”

A source close to the club suggested the issue was being handled “internally,” but there was no confirmation of whether Tavernier would face disciplinary action or be asked to issue an apology.

Some within Scottish football have urged the Scottish FA to review the matter, though there is currently no indication of formal intervention.

Carragher urges calm and accountability

Carragher, who has built a reputation for defending player rights while calling for higher professional standards, urged both sides to de-escalate.

“I don’t think anyone wants this to become a legal battle,” he said. “But there needs to be accountability. Footballers are role models. Words carry weight, especially when they come from a captain.

You can respond to criticism with dignity that’s what leaders do.”

Carragher also noted that tension between Rangers and certain broadcasters has been “boiling for years,” with frequent flare-ups over perceived bias or unfair coverage.

“Rangers have this siege mentality that can be powerful on the pitch,” he added, “but off the pitch, it often works against them. You can’t build respect by calling people names.”

Social media reaction

Reaction on social media has been swift. Hashtags such as #Tavernier and #ChrisSutton trended across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with fans split over who crossed the line.

Some Rangers fans defended Tavernier, calling the backlash “overblown” and pointing to Sutton’s history of provocation.

Others  including several ex-players sided with Carragher, saying Tavernier’s role as captain demands restraint.

One user wrote:

“You can’t call a pundit a ‘dumb dog’ and expect no consequences. That’s not leadership that’s frustration.”

Another fan countered:

“Sutton has spent years winding Rangers up. Tav just gave him a taste of his own medicine.”

What happens next

Chris Sutton’s representatives are expected to issue a formal response later this week, while Rangers’ next fixture — a Scottish Premiership clash at home to Hearts  may see Tavernier face questions in his pre-match duties.

Whether the incident ends with an apology, a fine, or legal proceedings remains to be seen.

But as Carragher pointed out, the episode has once again highlighted the fragile relationship between Scottish footballers and pundits  and the fine line between passion and provocation.