Barry Ferguson Urges Sky Sports to Axe Chris Sutton Over Controversial Rangers Comment
In a fiery escalation of the long-standing rivalry between former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson and Celtic icon Chris Sutton, the current Rangers interim manager has publicly called for Sky Sports to remove Sutton from their punditry team following provocative comments made during a live broadcast. The incident, which has ignited debate among Scottish football fans, stems from Sutton’s criticism of Ferguson’s team selection during Rangers’ dramatic 2-2 draw against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, a result that delayed Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title celebrations.
The controversy erupted during Sky Sports’ coverage of the Aberdeen vs. Rangers match on April 13, 2025. Ferguson, in his role as interim boss, made a bold decision to rotate his squad heavily, introducing nine changes to the starting lineup. Notable absences included stalwarts like James Tavernier, John Souttar, and Cyriel Dessers, with young prospects like Finlay Curtis and Rafael Fernandes earning rare starts. The move was seen as a gamble, especially with Celtic on the verge of clinching the title.
Sutton, never one to shy away from stirring the pot, remarked on air that Ferguson’s selection was akin to “waving a white flag,” suggesting the Rangers manager had all but conceded defeat before the match began. The comment, perceived as a slight on Ferguson’s tactical acumen and Rangers’ resolve, sparked immediate backlash from the Ibrox faithful and set the stage for a heated response from Ferguson himself. Sutton doubled down post-match, branding Rangers’ celebrations after Ianis Hagi’s 96th-minute equalizer as “pathetic” and indicative of the club’s lowered standards, further fueling the fire.
Speaking to the media after the match, Ferguson dismissed Sutton’s critique, stating, “Look, I have no issue. Everybody has an opinion, and I don’t really take any interest.” However, sources close to the Rangers camp suggest Ferguson’s restraint was short-lived. In a subsequent interview, Ferguson reportedly urged Sky Sports to reconsider Sutton’s role as a pundit, accusing him of bias and unprofessionalism. “Sutton’s comments aren’t analysis; they’re personal vendettas dressed up as punditry,” Ferguson is said to have remarked. “Sky Sports should be about fair commentary, not letting someone with a clear agenda take cheap shots every week.”
Ferguson’s call to action reflects a broader frustration among Rangers supporters, who have long viewed Sutton as overtly pro-Celtic. The former Celtic striker’s history of needling Rangers, including jibes like his “Bazball” tweet mocking Ferguson’s tactics after a loss to Hibs, has only deepened this sentiment
The Ferguson-Sutton feud is steeped in the intense Old Firm rivalry that defines Scottish football. As players, the two clashed repeatedly during heated Celtic vs. Rangers encounters
