Chris Sutton has voiced his concerns over Celtic’s decision to loan out Alexandro Bernabei to Internacional until the end of 2024.
Writing in the Daily Record, Sutton expressed his bafflement at the club’s strategy, especially given the current challenges facing the team in the left-back position.
Sutton’s critique comes amidst a backdrop of tension between Celtic and the SFA over controversial officiating during a recent match against Hearts. While acknowledging the legitimacy of Brendan Rodgers’ frustrations with the match officials, Sutton argues that Rodgers must also account for his own puzzling decisions throughout the season, including the recent move involving Bernabei.
According to Sutton, allowing Bernabei to depart has left Celtic in a precarious situation, with Greg Taylor as the sole natural left-back.
He wrote: “Brendan Rodgers and Celtic have gone to war on the SFA this week after some questionable decisions from the officials at Tynecastle.
“They know a thing or two about questionable decisions – they’ve been making them all season. I understand Rodgers’ frustration after the Hearts defeat. There were some ropey calls. But the Celtic manager will need to take responsibility for some of his own in recent months that have been equally bewildering. There was another one this week. Why the heck have Celtic allowed Alexandro Bernabei to leave? It just doesn’t make sense to me.
“Listen, the Argentinian is no world beater. But he’s a left back. And it might have gone unnoticed at Celtic Park but that is a problem position for them. They only have Greg Taylor now and while he’s been a consistent performer, he’s had some injury problems – and no wonder after being flogged for about three years.
“Celtic are now in a title run in with no cover. It’s madness. If Taylor gets injured or suspended it’ll mean Anthony Ralston – a right back – would need to play, or Liam Scales would need to move across, meaning one of the two centre backs who have not been deemed good enough all season coming in. God help them if Cameron Carter-Vickers pulls up again”
On Friday, during his press conference, Brendan Rodgers did say that he has the option to move Liam Scales over to the left side. He’s only played as a centre-half under Rodgers and has been a mainstay in the team this season.
