Chris Sutton is often a leading culprit when it comes to aiming cheeky digs at Rangers.

The former Celtic forward is often quick to direct a jibe in the direction of Ibrox ongoings and has even been involved in a social media back-and-forth with Todd Cantwell.

However, Sutton offered an unlikely defence of Rangers last weekend as he shut down a disrespectful tongue-in-cheek question from his Radio 5Live 606 colleague.

Pundit Robbie Savage questioned whether the title race in Scotland was already over after Rangers slipped to defeat on the opening day.

Brad Lyons strike at Rugby Park condemned Michael Beale's side to a hugely disappointing result in the league clash.

And, across the city, Celtic ran out 4-2 winners over Ross County in Brendan Rodgers' first competitive match back at the club since his return to replace Ange Postecoglou.

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Citing the scorelines in Scotland, Savage asked: "Chris, is the title over already?"

But Sutton wasn't impressed by the question as he shut down his co-host. Sutton responded: "You're not really going there are you?

"Rangers weren't fantastic on the plastic at Kilmarnock, they lost.

"Difficult pitch and Celtic won."

Asked again about the title race being over already, Sutton replied: "Don't be silly.

"Have a bit of respect for Rangers, Rob."

It comes after Sutton had roasted a Rangers penalty appeal against Kilmarnock while on punditry duties for Sky Sports.

He had been asked whether Rangers could have been awarded a spot-kick when Connor Goldson tumbled in the box under challenge from Stuart Findlay, but Sutton quickly ruled out the possibility.

He said: "Come on! His (Findlay's)arms are out but if you look at Connor Goldson, he's already on his way down. That's called a dive.

"Findlay is running the risk of giving a penalty away but Goldson goes down too easily.

"Willie Collum gets that one bang on."