Sutton praises Martin O’Neill for making critics ‘eat their words’

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has praised his old mentor Martin O’Neill for making his critics “eat their words” after a vital Europa League win over Besiktas on Thursday night… Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic, arrives at the stadium before the UEFA Europa League match between Celtic FC and Besiktas JK at Celtic Park on November 05, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Martin has been in the firing line due to a poor run of results and performances, and despite sitting top of the table, the 74 year old has been subjected to regular criticism, and even more so in the wake of our home draw to Dundee United and away loss to Falkirk. Chris Sutton himself recently spoke of his belief that his former boss should walk away from the Celtic job , but has never been over critical of the veteran Irishman. 1st November 2026; Falkirk Stadium, Falkirk, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Falkirk versus Celtic; Ex Celtic player Chris Sutton speaks on Sky Sports. Photo Vagelis Georgariou The former Blackburn and Chelsea striker has revealed that he was inundated with messages suggesting that Martin had ‘ chucked it’  when news of the starting line up for the Besiktas clash was revealed on Thursday evening, as several folk were taken aback by his ‘weakened’ line up against the Turkish side especially since we had lost our opening three Europa League fixtures. Writing in his weekly Daily Record column yesterday, Sutton admitted that he shared some of those concerns but held fire on criticising the Celtic boss. He said: “Martin O’Neill has chucked it. The Celtic team sheet is more like a white flag. He’s given up the ghost in Europe. “Those were just some of the messages that lit up my phone when the team was announced for Besiktas the other night. “I might have had similar feelings but I didn’t respond because I know football has a funny habit of biting you on the backside. And Martin O’Neill has a funny way of making folk eat their words. “Turns out I was right to withhold judgement.” Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic, celebrates with Liam Scales after the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 match between Celtic FC and Besiktas JK at Celtic Park on November 05, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images) Some Celtic supporters were guilty of indulging in the same manner, and as Chris Sutton himself admitted he was of similar thinking, but wisely chose to keep quiet until the game had been concluded. “Fair play to Martin and to the team. They’ve taken a battering in recent weeks – and rightly so. They’ve deserved the scrutiny because the results and performances have not been good enough. “They also deserve the credit for the other night though – and it might silence a few critics for a few days. It was a huge result in the circumstances. Not many saw it coming either – including myself,” Sutton admitted. Reviewing the landscape for Celtic in the Europa League after the team managed to get some points on the board with the 3-2 win over Besiktas . Camilo Duran of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the UEFA Europa League match between Celtic FC and Besiktas JK at Celtic Park on November 05, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images) He stated: “Celtic looked dead and buried in the Europa League and while it’s still a tall order, at least they now have hope. Torreense away won’t be easy as the Portuguese second division side have managed a couple of wins in the competition and pushed Sunderland all the way. “But it’s a winnable match for Celtic. Likewise, Omonia are no mugs in Cyprus but it shouldn’t be beyond Celtic to get a result out there. Marseille are struggling right now and they come to Glasgow after the New Year before a tough trip to Belgium for Union Saint Gilloise.” Just an Ordinary Bhoy HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below… KNOW YOUR HISTORY – SPECIAL OFFER ON CELTIC IN THE THIRTIES The Perfect Gift-for Celtic Da’s – Get both books for just £20 plus P&P. Order now over at our bookstore – Celticstarbooks.com – CLICK ON IMAGE ABOVE TO ORDER Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE ….Hail Hail!