Chris Sutton’s Fiery Response to Barry Ferguson’s Viral Guard of Honour Comments
The debate over a potential guard of honour at Ibrox for Celtic, following their latest Scottish Premiership triumph, has reignited old tensions in Glasgow’s footballing rivalry. A resurfaced clip from 2021, featuring Rangers legend Barry Ferguson discussing the topic, has gone viral, prompting a scathing response from Celtic icon Chris Sutton. The context of Ferguson’s remarks, made during Rangers’ lone title win in 14 years, offers insight into what might unfold this Sunday at Ibrox. Sutton, never one to shy away from a verbal scrap, has seized the moment to mock Rangers and their reluctance to honour Celtic’s dominance.
In the 2021 clip, Ferguson, speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, dismissed the idea of Celtic offering Rangers a guard of honour during the COVID-affected season. He called the tradition “a new thing” in Scotland, suggesting it was unlikely to happen and irrelevant to both clubs. Ferguson’s comments reflected a pragmatic view: acknowledge the better team, but don’t expect ceremonial gestures in a rivalry as fierce as the Old Firm. Fast forward to 2025, and with Celtic clinching another title under Brendan Rodgers, the guard of honour debate has resurfaced. Ferguson’s words hint that Rangers, now on the receiving end, are unlikely to line up for their rivals.
Chris Sutton, in his inimitable style, took to social media to address the viral clip, dripping with sarcasm. “Barry Ferguson’s guard of honour tears are pure gold,” Sutton posted on X. “Rangers won one title in 14 years, and he’s lecturing about respect? Celtic’s trophy cabinet is bursting, and we don’t need a clap from Ibrox to know who’s boss. Keep your guard, we’ll keep the silverware.” Sutton’s biting commentary reflects the sentiment among many Celtic fans, who see the guard of honour as a distraction from their team’s relentless success. For them, celebrating another title inside Ibrox’s hostile cauldron is satisfaction enough.
The guard of honour tradition, while common in some leagues, has always been contentious in Scotland due to the Old Firm’s bitter rivalry. Celtic’s dominance—winning 12 of the last 14 titles—has left Rangers fans grappling with years of frustration. Ferguson’s 2021 stance, rooted in the rarity of Rangers’ triumph, underscores a mutual understanding: symbolic gestures don’t suit this derby’s intensity. Yet, Sutton’s retort highlights Celtic’s confidence. With a potential treble in sight, the Hoops are focused on bigger prizes, not ceremonial niceties.
This Sunday’s clash at Ibrox will be less about handshakes and more about Celtic rubbing salt in Rangers’ wounds. Sutton’s gleeful jabs at Ferguson’s comments encapsulate the Celtic mindset: they don’t need validation from their rivals. As the viral clip continues to spark debate, one thing is clear—while Ferguson may downplay the guard of honour, Sutton’s razor-sharp wit ensures Celtic’s dominance remains the loudest statement.
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