The build-up to the Old Firm derby is never quiet. It is never calm. And it is certainly never free of controversy. But even by Glasgow ...
The build-up to the Old Firm derby is never quiet. It is never calm. And it is certainly never free of controversy. But even by Glasgow standards, Chris Sutton has managed to pour petrol on an already raging fire with comments that have sent shockwaves through the Celtic support — and placed immense pressure on head coach Wilfred Nancy just days before one of the most emotionally charged fixtures in world football.
The former Celtic striker, now a high-profile pundit, has issued what many are calling a “brutal public warning” to Nancy, insisting that two Celtic players must be left out of the squad entirely if the club wants any chance of surviving the Old Firm showdown.
A 30-year-old attacker Iheanacho and a 24-year-old midfielder Tierney.
And as expected, it did not go down well with Celtic fans at all.
“YOU CAN’T AFFORD SENTIMENT IN AN OLD FIRM” — SUTTON DROPS THE BOMBSHELL
Speaking ahead of the derby, Sutton did not hide behind vague analysis or cautious phrasing. Instead, he went straight for the jugular.
According to Sutton, the Old Firm is not the place for experiments, reputations, or loyalty — and that Wilfred Nancy must be ruthless if he wants to avoid humiliation.
“If Celtic go into this Old Firm with the wrong personnel, they’ll be punished — badly,” Sutton warned.
“For me, there are two players who simply shouldn’t be involved.”
The comments immediately sparked controversy when Sutton explicitly named the 30-year-old attacker Iheanacho and the 24-year-old midfielder Tierney as players he believes should be omitted altogether.
Not benched.
Not rotated.
Omitted.
That single word sent Celtic social media into meltdown.
WHY SUTTON WANTS THE 30-YEAR-OLD ATTACKER IHEANACHO LEFT OUT
Sutton’s harshest criticism was reserved for Iheanacho, the experienced 30-year-old attacker who many fans still see as a big-game option.
But Sutton clearly disagrees.
In his analysis, the former striker questioned Iheanacho’s work rate, sharpness, and suitability for the intensity of an Old Firm derby.
“This fixture is about energy, aggression, and relentless pressing,” Sutton said.
“If you can’t set the tone from the front, you become a liability.”
Sutton argued that Iheanacho has struggled to impose himself in high-tempo matches this season and believes Rangers would target him relentlessly.
In Sutton’s view:
- The 30-year-old attacker doesn’t press aggressively enough
- He can slow Celtic’s transitions
- He risks isolating the midfield under pressure
In a derby where every second counts, Sutton fears Celtic would be overrun before halftime if they start with the wrong attacking profile.
For many fans, this assessment felt not just harsh — but disrespectful.
TIERNEY CONTROVERSY: WHY SUTTON WANTS THE 24-YEAR-OLD MIDFIELDER OMITTED
If the Iheanacho comments caused outrage, Sutton’s assessment of 24-year-old midfielder Tierney poured gasoline on the flames.
Tierney has been viewed by sections of the support as a dynamic option — youthful, technically gifted, and fearless. But Sutton questioned whether fearlessness without discipline is dangerous in a derby environment.
“The Old Firm eats players alive,” Sutton stated.
“If your positioning is off, if your decision-making is rushed, Rangers will exploit it.”
Sutton suggested that Tierney’s recent performances show signs of:
- Over-committing defensively
- Losing shape under pressure
- Forcing passes instead of controlling tempo
According to Sutton, leaving Tierney out isn’t a punishment — it’s damage limitation.
That explanation did little to calm the storm.
CELTIC FANS LEFT FUMING: “WHO DOES SUTTON THINK HE IS?”
Within minutes of Sutton’s comments being aired, Celtic fan forums, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook groups erupted with anger.
Many supporters accused Sutton of:
- Undermining the manager
- Disrespecting players publicly
- Playing mind games ahead of the derby
Some fans went even further, suggesting Sutton was deliberately destabilising the club for media attention.
“This is exactly what we don’t need before an Old Firm,” one fan wrote.
“Publicly calling for players to be dropped is outrageous.”
Others defended Iheanacho and Tierney fiercely, pointing out that both have delivered in pressure moments and deserve trust, not public dismissal.
The divide among fans has been sharp — and increasingly hostile.
PRESSURE MOUNTS ON WILFRED NANCY
Lost amid the noise is the uncomfortable position Wilfred Nancy now finds himself in.
Ignore Sutton — and risk being accused of arrogance if things go wrong.
Follow Sutton’s advice — and face backlash from supporters who see the omissions as betrayal.
Nancy has preached unity since arriving at Celtic, often emphasising collective responsibility and trust. But Sutton’s comments have forced a brutal question into the spotlight:
Does Nancy stick to his philosophy, or does he go ultra-pragmatic for survival?
Behind the scenes, sources suggest the coaching staff are acutely aware of the external noise — and concerned about how it might affect dressing-room morale.
OLD FIRM MIND GAMES? OR GENUINE FOOTBALL ANALYSIS?
There is another theory doing the rounds among supporters: that Sutton’s comments are not just analysis — but strategy.
Some believe Sutton is engaging in classic Old Firm mind games, knowing full well that his words would:
- Distract Celtic
- Put players under pressure
- Shift focus away from tactical preparation
Whether intentional or not, the damage may already be done.
Players named publicly ahead of a derby rarely forget it — and they rarely forgive it.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE DERBY
The Old Firm has a habit of punishing narratives.
Players written off often rise.
Tactical predictions often collapse.
And pundits are frequently left scrambling for explanations.
If Iheanacho starts and scores?
If Tierney dominates midfield?
Sutton’s comments will be replayed endlessly — and mercilessly.
But if Celtic struggle, and Rangers exploit the very weaknesses Sutton highlighted, his warning will look prophetic.
That is the brutal reality of football discourse.
ONE THING IS CERTAIN: THERE IS NO HIDING PLACE NOW
Whether Sutton intended it or not, he has turned this Old Firm derby into something even bigger.
For Wilfred Nancy, it’s a test of leadership.
For Iheanacho and Tierney, it’s a test of character.
For Celtic fans, it’s another emotional rollercoaster in a rivalry that never sleeps.
One wrong decision.
One costly mistake.
One moment of brilliance.
And Chris Sutton’s warning will either be remembered as reckless provocation — or painful truth.
In the Old Firm, there is no middle ground.
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