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Chris Sutton blasts how Martin O’Neill is being treated after Celtic’s Hearts draw

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Chris Sutton has delivered a furious reaction following Celtic’s dramatic 2–2 draw with Hearts, turning his frustration not on the players or the manager, but on how Martin O’Neill is being treated behind the scenes as the Premiership title race heats up.

Sunday’s action summed up the tension at the top of Scottish football. In a tightly packed three-way battle for the title, Celtic were held at Tynecastle despite fighting back with ten men, while Rangers took full advantage by defeating Dundee. The result leaves Celtic six points adrift of the league leaders and sitting third in the table after 23 matches, a position far from ideal for a club with championship ambitions.

Although there is still plenty of football to be played, Sutton believes the bigger issue lies beyond the pitch. The former Celtic striker was visibly angered by what he sees as a lack of backing for O’Neill, especially at a crucial point in the season when momentum and squad depth can define a title challenge.

Celtic’s draw at Hearts was far from straightforward. Reduced to ten men, the Hoops were pulled into a physical, high-intensity contest that suited the home side. Despite the adversity, they showed resilience to come away with a point, a result Sutton felt had been earned the hard way rather than gifted. For him, the performance itself was not a reflection of poor management or preparation by O’Neill, but rather a consequence of circumstances beyond the manager’s control.

Attention quickly turned to the January transfer window, which is set to close next week. So far, Celtic’s activity has been limited, with only two new arrivals added to the squad. Both were involved at Tynecastle. Tomas Cvancara made his debut and played a key role by providing the assist for Celtic’s second goal, while Julian Araujo, a signing made under Wilfried Nancy, started at right-back.

Despite those contributions, Sutton’s anger was clear. Taking to social media, he described the situation as an “embarrassment,” arguing that O’Neill has effectively been left to navigate a demanding title race without the reinforcements required to strengthen the squad. From Sutton’s perspective, expecting Celtic to compete at the highest level with such limited January business is unrealistic and unfair on the manager.

The former England international was particularly vocal in defending O’Neill, insisting that the draw at Hearts should not be laid at his door. Sutton feels the manager is being placed in a position where success is demanded, yet the necessary tools to achieve it are not being provided. In his view, this lack of support risks undermining Celtic’s entire season.

Sutton also questioned aspects of the match itself, including the controversial red card shown to Celtic defender Trusty. He suggested he was unconvinced the incident warranted a dismissal, hinting that key decisions again went against Celtic. However, he was quick to stress that these moments were not the core issue. For Sutton, the bigger picture is about preparation, planning, and ambition at boardroom level.

Summing up his thoughts, Sutton pointed out that Celtic were drawn into the type of game Hearts wanted, one that disrupted their rhythm and tested their resolve. While securing a point in those circumstances was commendable, he believes it only highlighted how thin the margins are when a squad is not adequately reinforced.

His message was blunt and unmistakable. Failing to act decisively in the transfer market, Sutton argued, is a classic case of setting a manager up to struggle. Without meaningful additions before the window closes, Celtic risk repeating familiar mistakes that could ultimately derail their title push.

As the Premiership race continues to unfold, Sutton’s comments have added to the growing debate around Celtic’s strategy and leadership. Whether the club responds with late transfer activity remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in Sutton’s eyes, Martin O’Neill deserves far more backing than he has received so far.

Celtic win transfer battle as ‘huge talent’ snubs Rangers for Bhoys

Celtic may not be finished in the January transfer market, with fresh reports suggesting the Scottish champions are preparing another move to strengthen their squad. One name firmly back on the radar is Canadian international Niko Sigur, who is being strongly linked with a switch to Parkhead as the window enters a decisive phase.

The Hoops have already been active this month, securing Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth and completing another temporary deal for Tomas Cvancara from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Despite those additions, Celtic’s recruitment work appears far from complete as they attempt to reignite a season that has fallen short of expectations so far.

A disappointing League Cup final defeat to St Mirren in December underlined the need for reinforcements, while Celtic also find themselves playing catch-up in the Scottish Premiership, sitting six points behind the league leaders. With European and domestic cup ambitions still alive, January reinforcements are viewed as vital if silverware is to be salvaged from the campaign.

Celtic Renew Interest in Niko Sigur

According to journalist Mark Hendry, writing for The Celtic Way, Celtic retain a strong interest in Sigur and are expected to reopen talks in the near future. The 22-year-old has long been admired by the club’s recruitment team, and his name has once again moved to the forefront of discussions at Parkhead.

Earlier in the window, Celtic’s priority was to secure a striker after failing to replace Adam Idah during the summer. That gap has now been addressed with the arrival of Cvancara, allowing focus to shift toward reinforcing other areas of the pitch — particularly in defence and midfield — where Sigur’s versatility could prove invaluable.

The Canadian international has been described internally as a “huge talent”, and his profile fits neatly into Celtic’s preference for players who can operate in multiple roles. While Celtic are not alone in monitoring his situation, they may hold a crucial advantage over their rivals.

Player Preference Could Tip the Balance

Rangers have also been credited with an interest in Sigur, but reports suggest the player would favour a move to Celtic if given the choice. That preference could significantly influence negotiations, particularly in a market where timing and player intent often dictate outcomes.

Interim boss Martin O’Neill is believed to be keen on adding defensive depth, especially with Celtic frequently deploying two left-footed centre-backs in league matches. The addition of a naturally right-footed player who is comfortable across the back line would offer greater balance and tactical flexibility.

While Celtic are also keeping tabs on other defensive options — including Aurele Amenda of Eintracht Frankfurt and Polish youngster Przemyslaw Wisniewski — Sigur’s experience at senior level sets him apart. At a crucial stage of the season, reliability and readiness could outweigh raw potential.

Experience Beyond His Years

Despite being only 22, Sigur already boasts an impressive résumé. He has earned 15 senior caps for Canada, scoring twice, and has accumulated more than 100 appearances for Croatian side Hajduk Split. That level of experience is rare for a player of his age and makes him an appealing option for a club under immediate pressure to deliver results.

Sigur began his development in Canada before moving to Slovenia in 2022, a step that eventually led to his switch to Croatia. Although he previously represented Croatia at youth level, he has since committed to Canada internationally and continues to grow in stature with each passing season.

Naturally a defensive midfielder, Sigur is equally comfortable operating at right-back, a trait that enhances his value to Celtic. His ability to fill multiple roles would allow O’Neill to rotate more effectively and cover key absences without sacrificing structure or intensity.

A Potential Key Piece in Celtic’s Title Push

Celtic’s recent struggles have highlighted the importance of squad depth and adaptability. Injuries, fatigue, and fixture congestion have exposed vulnerabilities that were previously masked during more dominant seasons.

Sigur’s versatility could allow him to deputise for Cameron Carter-Vickers when needed, offering reassurance in high-pressure matches. His tactical awareness, composure on the ball, and defensive discipline align with the qualities Celtic require as they attempt to claw their way back into the title race.

While no deal is imminent, renewed discussions would signal Celtic’s intent to attack the second half of the season with renewed ambition. If they are serious about reclaiming domestic dominance and remaining competitive in Europe, smart additions like Sigur could make the difference between falling short and finishing strong.

As January enters its closing weeks, all eyes will be on Parkhead to see whether Celtic can turn interest into action — and whether Niko Sigur becomes the latest piece in their push for redemption.

Rangers Face Potential UEFA Sanction After Unnoticed Ludogorets Incident

Rangers’ Europa League victory over Ludogorets at Ibrox may yet come with an unwanted aftertaste, as the club is now bracing itself for possible disciplinary action from UEFA following an off-the-ball issue that largely escaped attention on the night.

The Light Blues edged out the Bulgarian side 1–0 on Thursday evening, with Mohamed Diomande grabbing the decisive goal – only his second of the campaign. While the match itself carried little competitive significance, given its status as a dead rubber, Rangers will be disappointed that a minor lapse could still lead to punishment from European football’s governing body.

A win without sparkle – but a win nonetheless

Supporters heading into the contest expected a more convincing display, particularly with several squad players effectively auditioning for their future under manager Rohl. Instead, Rangers delivered a workmanlike performance rather than a statement one. It was far from fluent or dominant, but crucially, it was still another victory added to their European tally.

Yet, despite the positive result, Rangers may soon find themselves answering questions away from the pitch.

Delay sparks disciplinary concern

According to UEFA regulations, teams are expected to adhere strictly to match timings, including the punctual restart of each half. Rangers, however, reportedly failed to return to the pitch on time following the interval against Ludogorets.

While such delays may seem trivial to fans, they are treated seriously by UEFA match officials and observers. Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has explained that incidents like this rarely go unnoticed in official reports.

Speaking exclusively, Hackett outlined the likely consequences: the referee will document the delayed restart in his match report, which is then reviewed by UEFA’s disciplinary panel. From there, an investigation is standard procedure, almost always resulting in a financial penalty.

In short, Rangers appear set to be fined for an incident that could easily have been avoided, making it all the more frustrating given the lack of importance attached to the fixture itself.

An unnecessary distraction

With Rangers currently enjoying a strong run of form under Rohl and firmly positioning themselves in the domestic title race, the last thing the club needs is another brush with UEFA discipline. Although the expected fine is unlikely to be substantial, it still represents an unnecessary distraction at a time when focus and momentum are key.

The Gers have, at times this season, been criticised for failing to show up on the pitch. Under Rohl, however, that narrative has largely been turned on its head. Ironically, against Ludogorets, it was their late reappearance after the break that caused the issue.

Key takeaways from the Ludogorets win

Beyond the disciplinary concern, the match did provide several talking points for supporters and coaching staff alike.

One of the clearest conclusions was that Andreas Skov Olsen appears to have a near-clear path into the starting XI. Both Djeidi Gassama and Mikey Moore struggled to make a convincing case for themselves, with neither winger offering enough consistency or end product in the final third.

Gassama, in particular, found it difficult to influence the game meaningfully, something reflected in his post-match performance metrics. Moore, meanwhile, showed flashes of promise but also looked raw and inexperienced at times, suggesting he may need more time to develop before being relied upon regularly.

Curtis shows his worth

Another notable moment came with the introduction of Findlay Curtis in the second half. The youngster, who is widely expected to leave Rangers in the near future, made a strong impression despite limited minutes on the pitch.

In just 20 minutes of action, Curtis brought energy and directness to Rangers’ play. He tested the Ludogorets goalkeeper with a powerful effort that was tipped over the bar and also contributed defensively, tracking back diligently when required.

His cameo performance raised eyebrows and may prompt questions about whether allowing him to move on is the right decision, especially given the lack of impact shown by some of his more experienced teammates.

Looking ahead

All in all, Rangers can take encouragement from aspects of their performance against Ludogorets, even if the display was not as polished as many had hoped. There were positives in terms of squad depth, individual contributions, and continued winning momentum.

However, the looming UEFA fine serves as a reminder that standards must be maintained both on and off the pitch. With a crucial domestic clash against Dundee FC on the horizon, Rohl will be keen to ensure that focus remains firmly on football matters – and that avoidable issues like delayed restarts do not creep back into the spotlight.

For now, Rangers wait to see UEFA’s formal response, hoping that the consequences are limited to a minor fine rather than something more disruptive.

Popular Glasgow football broadcaster taken off air during live show after falling ill

Football supporters across the country expressed concern and support after popular broadcaster Alan Brazil was forced to step away from a live radio show after falling ill on air.

The former Scotland international, now 66, was presenting talkSPORT’s flagship Breakfast programme when he began to feel unwell during the broadcast. Brazil, one of the station’s most recognisable voices, had been co-hosting the morning show alongside former Aston Villa and England forward Gabby Agbonlahor.

Listeners noticed something was amiss when, partway through the programme, Brazil was no longer speaking. Just over two hours into the show, Agbonlahor addressed the audience following a scheduled advertising break to explain the situation.

Speaking directly to listeners, Agbonlahor reassured fans that Brazil had not suffered anything serious, explaining that his co-host was simply feeling under the weather and had stepped away to recover. He added that Brazil was expected to return once he felt well enough.

Shortly afterwards, talkSPORT presenter Katie Shanahan joined Agbonlahor in the studio to help carry the remainder of the programme. Shanahan had earlier hosted the station’s Early Breakfast show, which airs between 5am and 6am, and was called upon to ensure the broadcast continued smoothly.

A few minutes later, Shanahan also addressed listeners, repeating the reassurance that Brazil was unwell but stable. She emphasised that there was no cause for alarm and thanked audiences for their concern.

TalkSPORT later issued an official statement confirming the incident. The broadcaster explained that Brazil had been feeling unwell during the morning show and made the decision to come off air shortly after 8am. The statement confirmed that Agbonlahor and Shanahan completed the programme and reassured fans that Brazil was doing okay.

The station added that Brazil is expected to return to talkSPORT soon and wished him a full and speedy recovery, easing fears among listeners who had been worried by his sudden absence.

Brazil, who was born in Glasgow’s Gorbals area, enjoyed a long playing career before becoming a media personality. He represented clubs including Ipswich Town, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Celtic, as well as earning caps for Scotland. Since retiring from football, he has become a familiar voice on radio, particularly through his long association with talkSPORT’s breakfast slot.

News of his illness quickly spread on social media, where fans and fellow listeners sent messages of support. Many expressed concern at how abruptly he left the show, while others praised the calm and professional way the situation was handled by Agbonlahor and Shanahan.

One listener wrote that they hoped Brazil was feeling better and sent best wishes for his recovery. Another commented that it was unsettling to hear the programme suddenly change tone, adding that they were relieved to hear reassurances that Brazil was okay.

Others highlighted how unusual it felt to hear the breakfast show without Brazil’s presence, noting that his voice has become synonymous with early-morning football discussion for many fans.

Despite the unexpected interruption, the broadcast continued without major disruption, and the station’s swift communication helped reassure listeners. TalkSPORT’s handling of the situation was widely praised for being transparent while respecting Brazil’s privacy.

At this stage, no further details have been released regarding the nature of Brazil’s illness, and there is no indication of anything serious. The focus remains on his recovery and return to the airwaves.

For now, football fans will be hoping to hear his familiar voice back on the breakfast show soon, as messages of goodwill continue to pour in from across the sporting community.

Celtic now eyeing ambitious move to sign £10.5m Bundesliga star after Cvancara

Celtic are continuing to explore options in the transfer market as they push to strengthen their squad before the January window closes, with reports suggesting the club are now tracking RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager following progress on a deal for Tomas Cvancara.

According to German outlet 4-4-2, the Scottish champions have identified Schlager as a potential addition as they look to reinforce their midfield ahead of a decisive phase of the season. Celtic’s recruitment drive has gathered momentum in recent days, driven by the desire to reel in Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership and build a squad capable of sustaining a title challenge.

So far, Celtic’s January business has been relatively quiet in terms of confirmed arrivals. Julian Araujo remains the only player officially through the door, having joined on loan from Bournemouth. However, the Hoops have also reached an agreement with Borussia Mönchengladbach to bring Czech striker Tomas Cvancara to Glasgow on a loan deal until the end of the campaign, with an option to make the move permanent in the summer. With that deal edging closer, attention may now shift to strengthening other areas of the pitch before the February 2 deadline.

Uncertain future for Schlager at Leipzig

Schlager’s situation at RB Leipzig has sparked interest from several clubs across Europe. The Austria international, who has earned 49 caps for his country, is entering the final months of his contract, which is due to expire at the end of the season. Leipzig signed him from Wolfsburg in 2022 for a fee of around €12 million (£10.5m), but there has been little progress on extending his stay at the Red Bull Arena.

As a result, the 28-year-old could be set to leave on a free transfer in the summer, making him an attractive option for clubs seeking a proven midfielder without a significant transfer fee. Reports suggest that Leipzig may even be open to selling Schlager during the current window for a reduced price of around £4 million, rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Schlager has found opportunities harder to come by this season, featuring in 13 Bundesliga matches and scoring twice during the 2025–26 campaign. Despite his reduced role, his experience at both club and international level continues to make him a sought-after figure. Italian heavyweights Juventus and Roma have both been credited with an interest, underlining the level of competition Celtic could face should they pursue a deal.

Arne Engels connection adds intrigue

Adding another layer to the situation is reported interest from Leipzig in Celtic midfielder Arne Engels. According to 4-4-2, the Bundesliga club are monitoring Engels as a possible replacement for Schlager, should the Austrian depart either now or in the summer.

Celtic broke their transfer record in 2024 to sign Engels for £11 million, and while the Belgian has delivered solid numbers—registering 14 goals and 18 assists across 85 appearances—debate continues among supporters about whether he has fully justified his price tag. If Leipzig were to formalise their interest, Celtic would likely demand a substantial fee to recoup a significant portion of their original outlay.

The potential overlap between Schlager and Engels could open the door to creative negotiations, whether through separate deals or a broader reshaping of both clubs’ midfields. However, any decision to part with Engels would be a major call for Celtic, particularly given the timing and the club’s ambitions for the remainder of the season.

Forward line still under review

While Cvancara’s arrival would address one area of need, Celtic are not expected to halt their search for attacking reinforcements. The club have been linked with a host of strikers throughout the window as they seek to add goals and depth to the squad.

Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana and Lorient forward Mohamed Bamba are among the names most frequently mentioned in recent reports. Both players fit the profile of attackers who could bolster Celtic’s options, either immediately or as part of a longer-term strategy.

Leeds United striker Joel Piroe has also emerged as a potential target. It is understood that Celtic have held discussions regarding the Dutch forward, who would be open to a move to Celtic Park if an agreement could be reached between the clubs. However, Piroe is not actively pushing for an exit from Elland Road, and the situation is complicated by Leeds’ ownership structure, with the 49ers group also in control at Rangers. That connection makes any deal between the clubs far from straightforward.

Busy final weeks expected

With just days remaining in the transfer window, Celtic are expected to remain active as they attempt to address key areas of the squad. Securing Cvancara would represent a significant step, but the potential interest in Schlager highlights the club’s intention to look beyond the forward line and strengthen in midfield as well.

Whether Celtic can navigate competition from Europe’s top leagues, balance their own outgoing interest, and complete further deals in time remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Hoops are preparing for a decisive end to the window as they aim to give themselves the best possible platform for success in the second half of the season.

Celtic eye shock free transfer swoop for Liverpool ace

Celtic are reportedly monitoring Andy Robertson’s contract situation at Liverpool as speculation grows that the Scotland international could become available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old left-back is approaching the final months of his deal at Anfield, and there is increasing belief within football circles that Liverpool may allow him to depart without a fee once his contract expires. While the Premier League giants have not completely ruled out the possibility of offering new terms, uncertainty remains over whether an extension will be agreed.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has suggested that Celtic would be keen to explore a move should Robertson become available, although they are unlikely to be alone in the race for his signature. Speaking to Football Insider, Brown claimed that Martin O’Neill’s side would “love” to bring the defender to Parkhead, but warned that interest from clubs across Europe could complicate any potential deal.

Robertson, who has been a key figure for Liverpool since joining from Hull City in 2017, is thought to be considering a fresh challenge away from the Premier League as he enters the latter stages of his career. Several European sides are understood to be keeping close tabs on his situation, with the prospect of signing a proven international performer on a free transfer proving particularly attractive.

Interest in the full-back is not new. Atletico Madrid were strongly linked with a move for Robertson during the summer transfer window, but negotiations failed to progress before the deadline passed. Despite that, the Spanish giants are believed to remain admirers, while other clubs across the continent are also monitoring developments.

Football Insider reported in late October that Liverpool had yet to reach an agreement with Robertson over a contract extension, although there was still hope at the club that fresh terms could be finalised. However, the emergence of Milos Kerkez as a preferred option at left-back has fuelled speculation that Liverpool are preparing for life beyond Robertson, with many expecting the club to move in a new direction.

Brown believes the signs point towards an exit from Anfield, suggesting Liverpool may feel the time is right to part ways after years of outstanding service. He explained that the club appear to have enjoyed the best years of Robertson’s career and are now planning for the future, with Kerkez viewed as a long-term solution in the position.

The former scout also suggested that a return to Scotland could appeal to Robertson at this stage of his career. Having started his professional journey north of the border before moving to England, the chance to play at home again, particularly for a club competing regularly for trophies, could be an attractive proposition.

According to Brown, Robertson would be an excellent fit for Celtic, both in terms of quality and experience. While left-back is not currently seen as a priority position for the Hoops, the opportunity to sign a player of Robertson’s calibre on a free transfer would be difficult to ignore. His leadership, winning mentality and consistency at the highest level could prove invaluable, particularly in European competition.

However, any move would not be straightforward. Brown warned that Celtic would face stiff competition from other clubs, especially those in Europe who could offer different challenges and potentially higher wages. Despite that, he believes Robertson would thrive back in Scotland and could be tempted by the idea of returning to his home country to close out his career.

Elsewhere, Martin O’Neill is hoping for a busy conclusion to the January transfer window as Celtic look to strengthen their squad in key areas. So far, the club have completed just one signing this month, despite the interim manager’s desire to add more depth and quality as they push for another SPFL title.

Reports earlier in January suggested O’Neill is particularly keen to bring in a new striker and a centre-back before the window shuts, with both positions identified as areas of concern. Injuries to key players such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Cameron Carter-Vickers have only increased the urgency, forcing the club to explore potential replacements.

Sources close to the situation claim Celtic are working intensively behind the scenes to identify suitable targets, with the aim of adding “top-class” reinforcements before the end of the month. Although progress has been slower than hoped, there is optimism that O’Neill will receive backing from the club hierarchy in the final weeks of the window.

Against that backdrop, the possibility of a future move for Andy Robertson adds another intriguing layer to Celtic’s long-term planning. While any deal would likely be one for the summer rather than January, the prospect of bringing a high-profile Scotland international back to the SPFL is already generating significant interest and debate among supporters.

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