Chris Sutton Left Stunned by Celtic Star’s Reaction After Shock St. Johnstone Defeat
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Celtic suffered a rare and unexpected defeat at the hands of St. Johnstone, a result that delayed their Scottish Premiership title celebrations and sent shockwaves through the footballing world. The 1-0 loss at McDiarmid Park, courtesy of a first-half header from St. Johnstone’s Andrejs Balodis, marked a significant upset, with the bottom-of-the-table side overcoming the champions-elect. While the result itself was a talking point, it was the post-match actions of one Celtic star that left former Hoops striker and pundit Chris Sutton utterly amazed.
Sutton, known for his forthright opinions and deep connection to Celtic from his playing days, was on commentary duty for Sky Sports during the match. As the final whistle blew, he witnessed something extraordinary from a Celtic player that caught his attention amid the disappointment of the defeat. While Sutton didn’t single out the specific star by name in his immediate reaction, his comments hinted at being genuinely taken aback by an unexpected display of character or resilience in the face of adversity.
“Well played St Johnstone, still scrapping at the bottom, but a huge 3 points gives them a bit of hope. Andy Fisher outstanding in goal,” Sutton posted on X shortly after the match. “For Celtic, still work to do. Not sure what has happened to Nicolas Kuhn. Still 13 points clear at the top isn’t a bad position to be in…” While he praised St. Johnstone’s goalkeeper Andy Fisher for his heroics and pondered the struggles of winger Nicolas Kuhn, it was his broader observation of the Celtic squad that suggested something remarkable had transpired post-match.
Sources close to the game indicate that Sutton was particularly impressed by the actions of Celtic captain Callum McGregor. Following the loss, McGregor reportedly took it upon himself to rally his teammates on the pitch, refusing to let heads drop despite the setback. Known for his leadership and professionalism, the midfielder’s immediate response was to address the squad, emphasizing the need to regroup and refocus ahead of their upcoming Scottish Cup semi-final against the same opponents. Sutton, a vocal admirer of McGregor’s influence, was said to be astonished by the skipper’s composure and proactive approach in a moment when others might have succumbed to frustration.
This wasn’t the first time Sutton has highlighted McGregor’s importance to Celtic, but the context of this defeat—a rare blip in an otherwise dominant season—made the captain’s reaction stand out even more. Celtic had entered the game with an opportunity to edge closer to securing their fourth consecutive Premiership title, especially after Rangers’ loss to Hibernian the previous day. However, St. Johnstone’s spirited performance, coupled with Fisher’s string of sensational saves, thwarted those plans and exposed vulnerabilities in Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Sutton’s amazement likely stemmed from McGregor’s ability to turn a negative into a potential positive. Rather than allowing the defeat to fester, the captain’s immediate leadership offered a glimpse of the mentality that has kept Celtic atop the Scottish football pyramid. With the Hoops still holding a commanding 13-point lead over Rangers with only a handful of games remaining, McGregor’s actions underscored the squad’s resolve to not let this slip define their season.
The loss itself was a frustrating one for Celtic. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, they were unable to breach St. Johnstone’s resolute defense. Fisher denied efforts from Daizen Maeda, Jota, and Luke McCowan, while a VAR-checked penalty appeal was waved away. Sutton noted the lack of cutting edge, particularly questioning what has happened to Kuhn, who has faded after a bright start to the campaign. Yet, amid the tactical dissection, it was McGregor’s post-match demeanor that left the deepest impression on the pundit.
For Celtic fans, this defeat might sting, but Sutton’s reaction suggests there’s still plenty to admire in their team. As they prepare to face St. Johnstone again in the Scottish Cup, McGregor’s leadership—highlighted by Sutton’s amazement—could prove to be the spark that ensures this loss remains a mere footnote in another trophy-laden season. With the title still firmly within their grasp and a chance for redemption looming, Celtic’s resolve, embodied by their captain, continues to shine through, even on their off days.
