FOR THE FIRST TIME, CHRIS SUTTON AGREES WITH ALAN SHEARER OVER HIS CELTIC VS FALKIRK PREDICTION
For once, Scottish football’s most familiar and combative voices have found themselves on the same wavelength. Ahead of Celtic’s February 1 clash with Falkirk, an unexpected moment of agreement between Chris Sutton and Alan Shearer has ignited debate across the Celtic support. Sutton, a pundit who rarely misses an opportunity to challenge opinions coming from outside Scotland, surprised many by publicly backing Shearer’s assessment of the match.
The discussion began after Shearer shared his thoughts during a BBC Sport segment, offering a calm and measured breakdown of the fixture. Rather than framing the game as a routine walkover or leaning into emotion, Shearer focused on Celtic’s structure, tempo and the areas where they still fall short of their own standards. That analytical tone stood out immediately, but it was Sutton’s response that truly shifted the conversation.
Shearer ultimately predicted a 3:1 victory for Celtic, and Sutton wasted little time in showing his approval. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the former Celtic striker praised Shearer’s analysis and highlighted the logic behind the call. For many supporters, the scoreline itself was less shocking than Sutton’s reaction. Seeing one of Celtic’s fiercest media defenders publicly agree with Shearer felt almost unsettling.
The reaction among Celtic fans was swift and divided. One supporter wrote,
@celticbt
“I’m not sure what’s stranger, the prediction or Sutton agreeing with Shearer. Never thought I’d see that day.”
Another took a more accepting view, posting,
@Original_celticblood “If Sutton agrees, then maybe Shearer actually watched Celtic properly for once.”
Others were far less impressed. “Why are we applauding English pundits for predicting us to win at home,” one fan questioned. “A 3:1 call feels low expectation for Celtic, and Sutton praising it just feels odd.” Another supporter added, “This is how standards slip. We should be talking about domination, not conceding goals.”
As the debate gathered momentum, some fans focused less on the scoreline and more on Sutton’s involvement.
“Sutton agreeing with Shearer is the real headline,” one post read. @martins ;
“That’s how you know this prediction has rattled people.” Another fan echoed that sentiment, saying, “I actually agree with the analysis, but seeing Sutton love it feels like betrayal.”
However, not all reaction was negative. A number of supporters welcomed what they saw as a more honest conversation around Celtic’s performances. “People are losing their heads over nothing,” one fan commented. “A 3:1 win is comfortable. At least Shearer explained his thinking instead of recycling nonsense.” Another added, “Sutton backing it doesn’t mean Celtic are weak. It means he’s being realistic.”
The mixed response highlights the pressure surrounding Celtic going into the match. Expectations remain relentlessly high, and even comfortable victories are often dissected for flaws. Conceding goals, lapses in concentration and periods of slow tempo have all been recurring talking points this season.
Against that backdrop, Shearer’s prediction felt to some like an accurate reflection of recent patterns rather than disrespect.
Sutton’s praise appeared to centre firmly on the reasoning rather than the headline outcome. Shearer pointed to Celtic’s ability to control games domestically while still allowing moments where opponents can gain a foothold. Sutton echoed that view, suggesting that acknowledging imperfections is healthier than pretending they do not exist. For some fans, that honesty was refreshing. For others, it was uncomfortable.
More Celtic supporters joined the discussion as the day went on. One fan wrote, “I’d rather pundits be honest than hype everything up. If we win 3:1 and control the game, fine.”
Beyond the immediate fixture, the episode has sparked a wider conversation about punditry and perception. Several supporters pointed out that disagreement is often expected, while agreement feels suspicious. “Football media thrives on arguments,” one fan posted. “When two pundits agree, fans don’t know what to do with it.” Another added, “If Sutton had disagreed, nobody would care. The fact he agreed is why this blew up.”
There is also an element of identity at play. Sutton has long been seen as a voice that represents Celtic supporters in the media landscape. When that voice aligns with someone like Shearer, it challenges the familiar us versus them dynamic that many fans are used to. That discomfort has arguably fuelled much of the backlash.
As kick off approaches, attention will inevitably shift from studio discussions and social media arguments to the pitch itself. Celtic Park will provide the real answers, rendering predictions either accurate or irrelevant. Performances, rather than pundit opinions, will decide how the match is remembered.
Whether the final score matches the 3:1 forecast or not, the damage or intrigue depending on perspective may already be done. For once, Chris Sutton and Alan Shearer are in agreement, and that alone has ensured this prediction will linger longer than most.
For Celtic supporters, the football will always matter more than forecasts. But in the build up to this match, it is not just the opposition or the result that has people talking. It is the rare and uncomfortable sight of two familiar voices agreeing, and enjoying it, while the fanbase argues among itself.
