Chris Sutton has slammed Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney for diving whilst on Scotland duty by stating that it is ‘out of order’, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
The former Celtic striker added that Tierney is a ‘brilliant’ player for Arsenal and Scotland, but felt that he had to call him out for his simulation.
Tierney’s last game for the Scots was their crucial 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League where he had to go off with a head injury.
With Oleksandr Zinchenko also missing recently through injury, the last thing Mikel Arteta needs is both of his left-backs out of action.
But, it’s good news for those in Arsenal colours because Tierney has seemingly returned to London Colney and he should be fit to face north London rivals Tottenham at the weekend.
Whilst that’s a positive for Arsenal, former Premier League striker Sutton was reacting to his actions in midweek and he wasn’t best pleased.
“The winner of this week’s simulation game and you know I love this guy, Kieran Tierney,” said Sutton. “I am a big fan of his. Brilliant for Celtic, brilliant for Arsenal and brilliant for Scotland.
“But I am going to have to say tumbling Tierney. Out of order, you are better than that wee man. You are better than that, Kieran Tierney.
“He’s a lovely guy but we have to call them out, wherever they are. International football, Sunday football or Premier League football.”
WILL TIERNEY START AGAINST TOTTENHAM?
If Zinchenko is fit and ready for Arsenal, then it will be interesting to see who Arteta picks to face Spurs because he would have a big call to make.
Both have been outstanding and could argue that they deserve to earn that starting spot at the weekend.
In truth, it’s probably a good headache to have for Arteta because he now isn’t forced to play Granit Xhaka in that role.
Either way, Arteta’s decision on who to pick might be made easier if Zinchenko isn’t available for the north London derby.
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