Chris Sutton has branded Rangers boss Steven Gerrard's defence of Covid sinner Nathan Patterson 'ridiculous'.

Gerrard revealed the club would appeal Patterson's six match ban, two suspended, as well for Bongani Zungu, Calvin Bassey, Dapo Mebude and Brian Kinnear, as their punishment was "harsh".

The Gers manager questioned the SFA's decision and suggested Patterson's growth and development as a footballer could be stunted by such a significant time out of action.

Ex-Celtic ace Sutton was not happy with Gerrard's claims and hit out at the Liverpool icon for having only his interests at heart, despite suggesting that Patterson's Scotland hopes could also suffer. Gerrard said: "Nathan is growing and growing. It's a shame that he's going to miss games moving forward. (The appeal) is something we're still discussing at the moment. We're in talks with the SFA over a date.

"The reason for the appeal is we think it's harsh in terms of what went on on the night. We don't think everything has been taken into consideration when you are talking about the boys in terms of age and how damaging it could be for them in their careers moving forward now.

"You're talking about one of the brightest prospects ever in terms of right-back. This kid is going to go and play for Scotland and all of a sudden the SFA wants to ban him for that long. I don't get it."

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But Sutton rubbished Gerrard's claims, taking them as an implication that he's only keen on defending good players he needs available. Writing in his Daily Record column, Sutton said: "It’s an interesting idea Rangers are are putting forward about how the authorities deal with stars who step out of line. Turns out the rules should only apply to duff players.

"If you are a talented lad then it doesn’t matter what you do, you can get away with anything as long as you are decent on the ball. Come off it. I don’t blame Rangers for having a bash at appealing the bans against their players. That’s up to them. But at least be totally honest about it.

"Steven Gerrard pleading for leniency over Nathan Patterson because he’s a top prospect who might force his way in to the Scotland set-up is a ridiculous standpoint. What does that say about the other four players who were carpeted? That they are rubbish?

"What must George Edmundson and Jordan Jones be thinking? Rangers didn’t even bother appealing their bans, so they must reckon their club don’t think they are up to much. How far does it go? Key players get a free pass and the rules no longer apply?

READ MORE: Ex-Celtic goalie blasts 'arrogant' Rangers over Covid sinner Nathan Patterson backing

"You can’t tell me it is Scotland’s Euros hopes the Rangers manager has in mind. It’s having a right-back available for the Scottish Cup tie with Celtic next week. Yes, Rangers have had a magnificent season and hats off to them. But don’t try to pull the wool over our eyes.

"Like I say, that’s their prerogative and if there is a loophole to be exploited then it’s the fault of the people who created the loophole. The SFA don’t come out of all of this well at all. Why on earth has it taken more than eight weeks to sort out? I can understand why Celtic and Aberdeen’s noses are out of joint. They were hammered for breaches – and rightly so – and the action was swift. They had games postponed for less.

"Do we have a sliding scale of punishments for the level of party involved? It’s nonsense and the SFA’s handling of this has left them wide open to all kinds of accusations. There’s been half a dozen games since the offence back in February. The players could have been dealt with and back by now but by letting it rumble on it and now having the appeal after the Cup tie just makes it stink even more.

"I have nothing against Patterson. He looks a player from what I have seen and he is a young lad who made a mistake. But Gerrard can’t accuse the authorities of potentially ruining his career. Patterson got himself in bother by going to a party in the first place and needs to face the consequences.

"Either way, he is now available for the Celtic game while we’re still no clearer on the managerial situation at Parkhead."