Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has backed the Green Brigade’s decision to boycott Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Celta Vigo at Parkhead.
11th October 2026; Fir Park, Scottish Premiership, Motherwell versus Celtic; Celtic fans group Green Brigade with an anti Dermot Desmond banner. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou
The ultras group announced earlier this month that they would boycott European home fixtures and withdraw from the home cup ticket scheme amid growing frustration with the club’s hierarchy.
Sutton, who helped Celtic knock Celta Vigo out of the UEFA Cup en route to the 2003 final, believes supporters are justified in demanding greater ambition from the club.
Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: “The Green Brigade should stick to their guns. I don’t always agree with how they go about things, but I understand their frustration and the feeling that supporters are being ignored.
“They are taking the kind of action they feel will force Celtic to take note. They are not alone either. I speak to a lot of Celtic fans who feel angry and frustrated at the lack of ambition shown in terms of Europe.
“The win against Hearts was a real positive but rattling a couple of domestic opponents doesn’t change anything.”
Celtic head into Thursday’s encounter following an emphatic 7-1 victory over Hearts, although successive European defeats to Ferencvaros and Benfica have left Martin O’Neill’s side facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages.
Sutton believes the club’s continued struggles on the European stage explain why sections of the support have taken such drastic action.
He continued: “It’s only been a few days since they were turned over by Benfica. Martin O’Neill tried to put on a brave face, but Celtic were thoroughly outclassed.
“Sunday’s win was much more like it, but supporters have been crying out for European success, and they have not been properly equipped to compete at the Europa level, never mind the Champions League.
“Boycotting big matches like this is a drastic measure but I can understand how they see this might be a way to get the message across.”
The former Hoops striker also warned that domestic success should not disguise Celtic’s shortcomings in Europe, insisting Thursday’s meeting with the Spanish outfit represents a must-win encounter.
He added: “It’s a difficult game, and the Europa League hopes are really in the balance after the defeats to Ferencvaros and Benfica.
“It’s a must-win, but the same questions remain about their ability to compete when they go up a level.”
Sutton also questioned whether Celtic have made sufficient progress in Europe since O’Neill restored the club’s reputation during his first spell in charge.
He said: “O’Neill restored Celtic’s reputation in Europe when he first came to the club after a couple of decades in the doldrums. But that reputation has been hit in recent years when you look at the teams they have lost to in the Champions League qualifiers in particular.
“That’s the point supporters are trying to make.”
Despite his concerns, Sutton hopes Celtic can secure a vital three points against Celta Vigo and keep their European ambitions alive.
He concluded: “Celta Vigo are not a Barcelona or Real Madrid, but they are a decent side, and they will be a difficult proposition.
“I hope Celtic can get a result that keeps their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive, but finishing in the top 24 of the Europa League should be a minimum requirement, never mind the ultimate goal.”
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