Chris Sutton Fires Dig at Barry Ferguson Following Live Interview Comments
The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is one of the fiercest in world football, and it seems the banter between former players Chris Sutton and Barry Ferguson is keeping the Old Firm flame burning bright. Recently, Sutton, a Celtic legend known for his no-nonsense punditry, took aim at Rangers interim manager Ferguson after the latter’s comments during a live interview sparked a fresh war of words. The exchange, dripping with the cheeky antagonism that defines this historic rivalry, has fans on both sides buzzing.
The latest chapter in the Sutton-Ferguson saga unfolded when Ferguson, speaking post-match after Rangers’ dramatic draw against Aberdeen, responded to Sutton’s earlier critique of his team selection. Sutton had branded Ferguson’s decision to make nine changes to the Rangers lineup as akin to “throwing in the towel” in the Scottish Premiership title race, a comment that clearly struck a nerve. Ferguson, never one to shy away from defending his corner, hit back, dismissing Sutton’s remarks with a cool, “Everybody has an opinion, and I don’t really take any interest.” But Sutton, true to form, wasn’t about to let the matter rest.
Taking to social media platform X, Sutton fired off a signature jab, poking fun at Ferguson’s Rangers tenure with a quip that resonated with Celtic fans: “How’s Bazball going, Barry? Still waving the white flag?” The reference to “Bazball”—a playful nod to Ferguson’s interim stint—landed like a well-timed tackle, reigniting the online banter between the green and blue halves of Glasgow. Celtic supporters lapped it up, flooding the comments with laughing emojis, while Rangers fans rallied to Ferguson’s defense, accusing Sutton of stirring the pot for attention.
This isn’t the first time Sutton has targeted Ferguson with his razor-sharp wit. Earlier this season, after Rangers’ 3-0 derby defeat at Celtic Park, Sutton trolled Ferguson for his pained reaction to Celtic fans’ celebratory huddle, tweeting, “Can Celtic fans please stop doing the huddle when Barry is at Parkhead please…” The post, dripping with sarcasm, highlighted Sutton’s knack for getting under his rival’s skin. Ferguson, who admitted the loss “hurt like hell” in his Daily Record column, has often been on the receiving end of Sutton’s barbs, particularly as Rangers have struggled to keep pace with Celtic’s relentless march toward another title.
Sutton’s latest dig comes at a pivotal moment in the Scottish Premiership. Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, are on the cusp of clinching a record-equaling 55th league crown, with a commanding lead over their rivals. Rangers, meanwhile, have endured a turbulent campaign, with Ferguson stepping in as interim boss following Philippe Clement’s sacking. Despite pulling off surprise victories against Fenerbahce in the Europa League and Celtic in a rare derby upset, Ferguson’s side has been inconsistent, dropping points in crucial matches like their recent loss to Hibernian. Sutton, ever the opportunist, has seized on these stumbles to question Ferguson’s tactical nous, famously remarking on Sky Sports, “Will it be a three, a four, a five? Barry’s guessing as much as we are.”
The back-and-forth between the two is more than just personal—it’s a microcosm of the Old Firm divide. Sutton, who won four league titles during his time at Celtic, embodies the swagger of a club that has dominated Scottish football for over a decade, with 12 of the last 13 Premiership crowns. Ferguson, a Rangers icon with five league medals of his own, carries the weight of a fanbase desperate to restore the Ibrox club to its former glory. Their exchanges, whether on air or online, tap into the raw passion of a rivalry where every comment, every result, feels like a matter of life and death.
Not everyone is amused, though. Some pundits, including Sutton’s Sky Sports colleague Kris Boyd, have called out the Celtic legend for what they see as “chest-beating” antics. Boyd, a former Rangers teammate of Ferguson’s, clashed with Sutton on live TV, defending Ferguson’s credentials while dismissing Sutton’s critique as typical bluster. “That’s what he is, isn’t it?” Sutton shot back, refusing to back down. The heated debate only fueled the narrative of Sutton as the pantomime villain for Rangers fans—a role he seems to relish.
As Celtic edge closer to another title, Sutton’s digs at Ferguson are unlikely to let up. For now, the Celtic legend holds the upper hand, both on the pitch and in the war of words. But with Ferguson vowing to fight on at Ibrox, fans can expect more fireworks in this ongoing feud. One thing’s for sure: when it comes to Sutton vs. Ferguson, there’s never a dull moment.
Sources: The Scottish Sun, 67HailHail, Daily Record
