Celtic hero Chris Sutton has made a subtle dig at the Glasgow Derby fan fiasco during the commentary on Thursday’s Edinburgh Derby.
Easter Road witnessed a sold-out crowd, including nearly 4,000 Hearts supporters in the away section, contributing to the atmosphere at the match.
Sutton, while providing co-commentary with Ian Crocker for Sky Sports, seized the opportunity to contrast this inclusive approach to away supporters with the policy of Celtic and Rangers, particularly in the context of the upcoming derby on Saturday.
This match will be played exclusively in front of home supporters, as Celtic declined a request from Rangers for an away fan allocation. The Rangers took the matter to the league chiefs but Celtic did not have their hand forced.
Early in the match, Crocker remarked on the efforts of Hibs and Hearts to ensure a significant presence of away supporters. Sutton responded live on Sky Sports with a pointed remark, saying, “It’s a shame it’s not like that everywhere,” clearly taking aim at Saturday’s match.
VAR and no away fans has destroyed the derby fixture I once loved. You used to not have a minute on the ball. Now it’s gone.
A junior football game to get that derby edge, away from VAR is where to watch a hotly contested rivalry. Right now the old firm derby is not value for money.
It’s SOLD firm Derby.
What a disgrace Hearts vs Hibs was today. Really pathetic. To think Naysmith played for Rangers as well. His team were pathetic only for Hibs to be even more timid than Hearts.
Sort it out Scottish Football.