Chris Sutton makes public apology live on Skysports to Rangers over damning comment about the club

Chris Sutton Issues On-Air Apology to Rangers Fan Amid Sky Sports Controversy

In a surprising turn during a live broadcast on Sky Sports, former Celtic striker and pundit Chris Sutton extended an apology to a Rangers supporter over remarks he made about the Ibrox club. The incident unfolded on Sunday’s coverage of the Scottish Premiership, where Sutton was analyzing the latest Old Firm developments alongside co-host Kris Boyd and other experts. The apology came after a heated exchange that highlighted the ongoing rivalry between Celtic and Rangers fans.

The controversy stemmed from Sutton’s earlier comments during a pre-match discussion, where he quipped that Rangers were “still chasing shadows” in their pursuit of league dominance, implying the club lacked the substance to challenge Celtic effectively. This remark, delivered with Sutton’s characteristic bluntness, drew immediate backlash on social media, with Rangers fans accusing him of bias and disrespect toward their storied institution. One fan, identified as Jamie McAllister from Glasgow, called into the show’s interactive segment to voice his frustration directly.

“Chris, your comments are out of order,” McAllister said passionately over the line. “Rangers have a rich history, and dismissing us like that just fuels unnecessary division. As a lifelong supporter, I feel personally offended.” The call caught the panel off guard, leading to a tense moment on air. Boyd, a former Rangers player, jumped in to defend the club, sparking a brief debate that echoed their past clashes on the network.

Sutton, known for his no-nonsense style and history of winding up opponents—both on the pitch and in the studio—paused before responding. “Look, Jamie, I appreciate you calling in and sharing your view,” Sutton said. “My comments were meant in the heat of the rivalry, but if they’ve caused genuine upset, then I’m sorry. Rangers are a massive club with passionate fans like yourself, and I respect that. Let’s focus on the football.”

The apology was met with mixed reactions. Some viewers praised Sutton for showing humility, while others on X (formerly Twitter) dismissed it as insincere, citing his long-standing Celtic affiliations. Sutton, who played for Celtic from 2000 to 2006 and won multiple titles, has often been a lightning rod for controversy in Scottish football commentary. Past incidents, including a 2003 apology for remarks after a title-deciding match and recent digs at Rangers’ European performances, have kept him in the headlines.Sky Sports issued a brief statement post-broadcast, emphasizing their commitment to balanced coverage: “We value open dialogue and appreciate when our pundits engage respectfully with viewers.” Rangers FC has yet to comment officially, but fan forums buzzed with discussions, some calling for more accountability from broadcasters.

This episode underscores the intense emotions surrounding the Old Firm rivalry, where words from pundits like Sutton can ignite widespread debate. As the season progresses, with Rangers pushing for silverware under their current management, such moments remind everyone that football’s passion extends far beyond the pitch.