Chris Sutton Slams Ally McCoist’s Duopoly Claim as Celtic Secure Fourth Consecutive Title
On April 26, 2025, Celtic Football Club clinched their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title, further cementing their dominance in Scottish football. The achievement sparked a heated debate between two prominent pundits, Chris Sutton and Ally McCoist, with Sutton vehemently dismissing McCoist’s assertion that the Scottish league remains a duopoly driven by Celtic and Rangers. Instead, Sutton boldly claimed that the league has become a “one-man show,” with Celtic’s relentless success rendering the competition lopsided.
McCoist, a Rangers legend and respected broadcaster, has long maintained that the Scottish Premiership is defined by the fierce rivalry between the Old Firm clubs, Celtic and Rangers. In recent commentary, he described the league as a duopoly, arguing that the two Glasgow giants continue to dominate the domestic scene, leaving little room for other clubs to challenge for the title. While acknowledging Celtic’s recent supremacy, McCoist pointed to Rangers’ competitive performances in previous seasons and their potential to reclaim the crown as evidence of a shared stranglehold.
However, Sutton, a former Celtic striker and outspoken pundit, took issue with McCoist’s perspective, using Celtic’s latest triumph as ammunition to dismantle the duopoly narrative. Speaking on a popular football podcast, Sutton declared, “Ally’s living in the past if he thinks this is still a duopoly. Celtic have turned the Scottish Premiership into a one-man league. Four titles in a row, and Rangers are nowhere near closing the gap.” Sutton’s remarks were a direct jab at McCoist’s optimism about Rangers’ resurgence, highlighting Celtic’s unrivaled consistency under manager Brendan Rodgers.
Celtic’s 2024-25 campaign has been a masterclass in dominance. With a potent attack led by players like Daizen Maeda and a robust defense marshaled by Cameron Carter-Vickers, the Hoops have swept aside challengers with ease. Their title-clinching victory, a 5-0 rout of Dundee United, underscored their superiority, with Rodgers’ tactical acumen ensuring Celtic remained unbeaten in crucial fixtures. Sutton argued that this level of control disproves the notion of a competitive duopoly, as Rangers have struggled to match Celtic’s intensity and depth.
McCoist, however, defended his stance, citing Rangers’ financial restructuring and new signings as signs of a potential revival. He argued that the league’s structure, with its reliance on Old Firm revenue and fanbase, naturally favors a two-team race. “Celtic are on top now, no question,” McCoist admitted on talkSPORT, “but Rangers are rebuilding. This isn’t a one-horse race forever.” Yet, Sutton countered that Rangers’ inconsistency—evidenced by dropped points against lower teams—shows they are far from challenging Celtic’s hegemony.
The Sutton-McCoist spat reflects a broader conversation about the state of Scottish football. While Celtic’s dominance is undeniable, critics argue that a lack of competition could harm the league’s appeal. Sutton, however, dismissed such concerns, praising Celtic’s professionalism and hunger. “This is about Celtic raising the bar, not the league being weak,” he insisted. As the dust settles on Celtic’s latest triumph, Sutton’s “one-man league” claim has ignited fierce debate, leaving McCoist and Rangers fans hoping for a resurgence to restore the duopoly narrative. For now, Celtic reign supreme, and Sutton’s words ring true: this is their league.
