Chris Sutton did not hold back after Celtic’s 4-1 defeat to Stuttgart at Celtic Park.
The former Hoops striker was watching as Martin O’Neill’s side were opened up in the second half of the Europa League knockout play-off first leg. What began as a tense European night ended with frustration spilling out around the ground.
The atmosphere was also under scrutiny. There was an early delay after protests in the stands, and the Green Brigade remain banned from Celtic Park. The North Curve has not had its usual drive in recent months, and on a night like this the lack of that edge was noticeable as Stuttgart took control.
As flat an atmosphere on a European night as I can remember. Sad to see. The result no surprise. This is a bang average Celtic team outclassed by an ok Stuttgart team. Schmeichel has been a top class keeper but he’s becoming a liability and he’s not the only one…
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) February 19, 2026
Sutton’s words will divide opinion. He questioned the level of the team and pointed directly at Kasper Schmeichel. The goalkeeper had a tough evening, beaten too easily for the opener and unable to keep out efforts that might have been saved on another night.
They will also hope for a different feel around the club, because on nights like this the mood matters.
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One Response
Yes it was flat but the way we play is not helping, there’s nothing to get excited about playing back to the Keeper constantly, we get a chance to play the ball into the box from a free kick, but no it has to go back all the time. our style of football is shocking for a team like Celtic we need to get back to moving the ball quickly and constantly attacking but we don’t. that’s why it is flat we need to change our style of play to get the fans excited. it’s getting hard to watch