Mclnnes side have it hot from Chris Sutton clearly stating why Celtic will always be better
Chris Sutton has reignited one of Scottish football’s longest running debates after Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw by Dundee United in the opening Scottish Premiership match of the new season. The former Celtic striker wasted little time reminding supporters why he believes Celtic remain the benchmark in Scotland. His latest remarks, along with his trademark social media dig aimed at Rangers, quickly spread among fans of both clubs and added another chapter to the fierce Old Firm rivalry.
Rangers travelled to Tannadice hoping to hand new manager Derek McInnes a winning start. Instead, they were frustrated by a well-organised Dundee United side. Lachlan Rose fired the hosts into the lead before Thelo Aasgaard rescued a point for Rangers with an excellent second half strike. Despite improving after the break through tactical changes, Rangers failed to find a winner and left with a disappointing draw. It also extended the club’s poor record on league opening days, a trend supporters had hoped would end under McInnes.
As soon as the final whistle sounded, Sutton returned with a joke that Celtic supporters know all too well. Posting on social media, he wrote, “Good point for Rangers in the end.” The message was short, sarcastic and instantly went viral. It has become one of Sutton’s signature lines whenever Rangers drop points in matches they are expected to win. According to reports, Sutton has been using variations of the same joke since 2019, repeating it after several Rangers draws over recent seasons.
The comment was more than an attempt to mock Rangers. It reflected Sutton’s long held belief that Celtic consistently set higher standards. Throughout his career as a player and later as a television pundit, Sutton has argued that elite clubs are judged by victories, not excuses. When Rangers celebrate salvaging a draw, Sutton believes it highlights the gap in mentality between the Glasgow rivals.
His opinion carries weight because of his history with Celtic. Sutton spent more than five successful years at Parkhead, winning multiple league titles and domestic cups while forming a famous partnership with Henrik Larsson. He also scored several memorable goals against Rangers, including the fastest goal in Old Firm history after only 18 seconds at Ibrox. His success in Glasgow established him as one of Celtic’s modern legends and explains why many supporters continue to embrace his outspoken views.
The reaction among Rangers fans was predictable. Many accused Sutton of enjoying every opportunity to criticise their club. Others pointed out that it was only the first league match of a long campaign and argued that McInnes deserves time to build a squad after several summer signings. The Rangers manager himself admitted his players looked unsettled during the first half and accepted they must improve quickly, particularly with important European fixtures approaching.
For Celtic supporters, Sutton’s comments reinforced a belief that their club continues to define success in Scottish football. Celtic have enjoyed sustained domestic dominance in recent years, winning multiple league championships while maintaining the expectation of competing for every major trophy. Sutton’s message echoed the mentality many Celtic fans expect from their own team. Drawing against a mid-table side is viewed as dropped points, not something worthy of celebration.
The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers has always extended beyond the pitch. Every result, every comment and every social media post becomes another talking point. Sutton understands this better than most. His ability to provoke debate has made him one of the most talked about football pundits in Britain. Rangers supporters rarely agree with him, while Celtic fans often celebrate his fearless opinions.
McInnes now faces the challenge of ensuring Sutton’s latest joke does not become a recurring headline throughout the season. Rangers showed flashes of quality against Dundee United but lacked consistency across the full ninety minutes. Improving their attacking cohesion and cutting out slow starts will be essential if they are serious about challenging Celtic for the title.
Whether supporters agree with Sutton or not, one fact remains clear. Results shape narratives in Glasgow more than anywhere else in Scottish football. Rangers opened their campaign with dropped points, Celtic’s biggest rivals immediately found themselves under pressure, and Chris Sutton once again found the perfect opportunity to remind everyone why he believes Celtic remain the standard every Scottish club, especially Rangers, continues to chase.