Chris Sutton’s Savage Five-Word Retort to Rooney and Carragher Goes Viral
In the world of football punditry, few can match the sharp wit and unrelenting banter of Chris Sutton, the former Celtic striker turned Sky Sports commentator. Known for his biting commentary and unapologetic jabs, Sutton has once again stolen the spotlight with a viral five-word response to a playful dig from Wayne Rooney and Jamie Carragher, who compared the Celtic-Rangers rivalry to a lesser-known English football matchup. The exchange, dripping with humor and rivalry, has set social media ablaze, with fans on both sides of the Old Firm divide weighing in.
The incident unfolded during a recent Sky Sports broadcast, where Rooney and Carragher, both Premier League legends, were discussing the intensity of rivalries in British football. In a lighthearted moment, the duo cheekily likened the storied Celtic-Rangers derby to the less glamorous Plymouth Argyle-Exeter City rivalry, a comparison that raised eyebrows and elicited laughter in the studio. The comment was clearly meant to provoke, and Sutton, never one to shy away from a verbal sparring match, was quick to fire back.
With his trademark deadpan delivery, Sutton quipped, “You two wouldn’t last five minutes.” The five-word zinger, laced with disdain and humor, perfectly encapsulated Sutton’s no-nonsense style while dismissing the comparison as absurd. The studio erupted in laughter, but it was the online reaction that truly amplified the moment. Within hours, the clip was circulating on platforms like X and TikTok, racking up thousands of likes, retweets, and comments from fans reveling in Sutton’s brutal takedown.
Celtic supporters, in particular, lapped up the response, with many praising Sutton for defending the prestige of the Old Firm derby. “Sutton’s an absolute legend—Rooney and Carragher got schooled!” one fan posted on X, accompanied by a string of laughing emojis. Another wrote, “Five words and he’s buried them. Nobody does it like Sutton.” Rangers fans, while often at odds with Sutton’s Celtic leanings, also joined the conversation, with some acknowledging the pundit’s quick wit, albeit grudgingly. “He’s a pain, but that was class,” one Rangers supporter admitted.
The viral moment underscores the unique intensity of the Celtic-Rangers rivalry, which transcends football and taps into deep cultural and historical divides in Scotland. For Rooney and Carragher to compare it to a regional English rivalry, even in jest, was always likely to draw a reaction from Sutton, who spent five and a half years at Celtic, scoring over 60 goals and cementing his status as a club icon. His time at Parkhead included memorable moments like the 6-2 thrashing of Rangers in 2000, where he scored twice, and a dramatic injury-time winner in 2004 that completed a clean sweep of victories against their Glasgow rivals that season.
Sutton’s response also highlights his growing reputation as a pundit who thrives on controversy and doesn’t mince words. Whether he’s trolling Rangers legend Kris Boyd, as he did in a viral clip last year when Celtic equalled Rangers’ record of 55 league titles, or calling out perceived injustices, Sutton’s commentary is rarely dull. His playful feud with Boyd, in particular, has become a fan favorite, with the pair regularly trading barbs on air. One memorable exchange saw Sutton mock Boyd’s defense of Rangers’ title record with a four-word jab, “Not in recent times,” which also went viral when Celtic’s 2024 title win made Sutton’s prediction a reality.
The Rooney-Carragher jibe and Sutton’s retort have added another chapter to his catalogue of viral moments. On X, the clip has been shared thousands of times, with fans creating memes and remixing the audio to humorous effect. One popular TikTok video overlays Sutton’s quote with footage of Celtic and Rangers fans in full voice, emphasizing the gulf between the Old Firm and the Plymouth-Exeter rivalry. The hashtag #SuttonSavage has even started trending, with users compiling lists of his best one-liners.
For Rooney and Carragher, the exchange was likely just a bit of fun, but they may have underestimated Sutton’s ability to turn a throwaway comment into a social media storm. Both have since acknowledged the quip with good humor, with Carragher tweeting, “Fair play, Sutton. We’ll stick to Merseyside derbies!” Rooney, meanwhile, has stayed quiet, perhaps wary of inviting another Sutton onslaught.
As Celtic and Rangers continue to dominate Scottish football—Celtic recently clinched their 55th league title to match Rangers’ long-held record—the rivalry remains a hot topic in the sport. Sutton, with his deep ties to Celtic and his knack for stirring the pot, is the perfect figure to keep the conversation lively. His five-word slapdown of Rooney and Carragher is just the latest example of why he’s one of football’s most entertaining pundits, and it’s a safe bet that fans will be eagerly awaiting his next viral moment.
Whether you’re a Celtic diehard, a Rangers loyalist, or just a football fan who loves a good verbal spar, one thing is clear: Chris Sutton’s quick wit and fearless commentary ensure he’s always five words away from stealing the show.
