Chris Sutton has launched another stinging attack on the Celtic hierarchy, accusing the board of alienating the entire support with their handling of the summer transfer window.
The former Hoops striker believes the frustration now spilling onto the terraces was entirely avoidable had the club acted decisively.
Supporter anger has grown in recent weeks, fuelled by a lack of movement in key positions, an early Champions League exit and a statement from the board that only deepened discontent. With organised protests and boycotts now in motion, Sutton says the board’s approach has left them with no one to blame but themselves.
Brendan Rodgers and club captain Callum McGregor have already voiced concerns about squad depth, echoing the fears of many supporters. Sutton believes those warnings went unheeded, leaving the squad short and the fanbase furious.
Sutton made clear that the Celtic board’s failure to engage properly with supporters has created a damaging divide that will not be easily repaired.
He said: (RecordSport), “They’ve succeeded in p*ing off all of them. The summer transfer window was a slow moving train wreck plenty of us – including the manager and club captain – were warned well in advance.
“You can’t belittle supporters, talking down their noses and treating them like fools.
“They expect the club to give themselves the best possible chance to be successful – and that demonstrably hasn’t happened.
“This time feels different. The wheels are already in motion with boycotts and protests and the like.”
Sutton’s comments reflect the mood among the support, who feel ignored by a board accused of lacking ambition despite the club’s financial strength. The refusal to properly strengthen the squad has become a flashpoint, with protests now spreading across multiple fan groups.
His warning that “this time feels different” will strike a chord. For many, the anger goes beyond one poor window and cuts to wider concerns about strategy, leadership and the long-term direction of the club.
Republic of Ireland’s Paul McGinley (L) talks with playing partner and part owner of Celtic FC Dermot Desmond during the first day of the team pro am
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Andrew Boyers
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Celtic’s upcoming fixtures are now being played in a unique atmosphere, with fans determined to show their discontent while still backing the players on the pitch. The planned walk-in protest at Rugby Park is the latest sign of a fanbase willing to escalate action.
For the board, Sutton’s words only add to the pressure. The discontent is no longer a background grumble but a full-scale movement. Unless there is a change in approach, the noise around Celtic Park will only grow louder.
