Alan Brazil has spectacularly stated that "referees and officials" are the reason Celtic are not top of the Scottish Premiership.

The outspoken talkSPORT host pointed the finger at Scottish FA officials as he responded to questions on Rangers' rise over Celtic in the league table.

Co-host Gabby Agbonlahor said: "What is going on Al? Rangers are top? I keep looking at the Scottish league and thinking Celtic will win that but they keep losing."

And Brazil wasted little time in his blame game, responding:  "It's called referees and officials, that is what it's called."

The former Scotland striker then looked to shut down Agbonlahor as the pundit suggested Scottish teams outside of Celtic and Rangers are "catching up".

He asked: "What has happened Al to the Scottish league? You used to turn on the scores and see Celtic would win 6-0, 5-0, 4-0 - now it's not like that. Those teams are catching up. Kilmarnock, Motherwell."

Brazil batted back "What are you talking about?" before Agbonlahor poked: "You are nervous aren't you?"

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For Brazil, the league title will come down to the two remaining matches between Celtic and Rangers, but he admitted the Ibrox side have the advantage.

He said: "Well, there are two more [matches between Celtic and Rangers]. That will settle it. But it is advantage Rangers, I have to say."

It comes after Brendan Rodgers was cited by the Scottish FA over his comments on referee "incompetence" and a ban could mean he misses the match against Rangers next month.

The SFA's compliance officer hit the 51-year-old with a notice of complaint for his breach of rule 72, after he blasted the pair's 'incompetence', insisting their officiating cost Celtic in the capital. 

The hearing date with the disciplinary panel has been set for Thursday, Mach 28.

He could be hit with a minimum two-game ban, which would see the Irishman sit in the stands for Celtic's next games after that date - Livingston on March 31 and Rangers away on April 7. 

It's believed that the Parkhead club are ready to fight the charges against Rodgers.