SUTTON EXPLODES IN FURY, FIRING BACK AT RANGERS CAPTAIN JAMES TAVERNIER LIVE ON AIR AFTER BEING CALLED A “DUMB DOG” IN A VIRAL INSTAGRAM POST.
The long-running war of words between Chris Sutton and Rangers captain James Tavernier has reached new and explosive heights after the former Celtic striker fired back live on air, following a now-deleted Instagram post in which Tavernier allegedly referred to Sutton as a “dumb dog.”
The controversy erupted late Friday evening when screenshots began circulating online showing a post from Tavernier’s verified Instagram account. The image, reportedly a meme aimed at Sutton, included the caption “Dumb dog still barking,” widely interpreted as a direct jab at the outspoken former Celtic man. Within minutes, the post went viral across social media platforms, sparking outrage among both Rangers and Celtic fans.
Although Tavernier quickly deleted the post and offered no public explanation, the damage had already been done. Fans flooded the comments sections of both men’s social media accounts, with debates raging about whether the Rangers skipper’s outburst was intentional or the result of a hacking incident. However, Chris Sutton wasted no time in addressing the situation during his appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday morning.
“Let me be clear,” Sutton began, visibly furious. “You can delete a post, you can pretend it never happened, but once it’s out there, it’s out there. I’ve been called a lot of things in my career, but a ‘dumb dog’? That’s not banter — that’s disrespect.”
Sutton, never one to shy away from controversy, went on to accuse Tavernier of “hiding behind social media” instead of addressing criticism directly. “If he’s got something to say, he can say it to my face. Don’t go online throwing insults and then pull them down when it blows up. Own it,” Sutton said, his tone rising as the discussion continued.
The incident has added another fiery chapter to the already tense relationship between Sutton and Rangers fans. The former Celtic forward has long been a vocal critic of the Ibrox side, often questioning their mentality and consistency in major matches. His punditry, while sharp and entertaining, has occasionally crossed lines in the eyes of Rangers supporters and clearly, in this case, struck a nerve with their captain.
Several pundits have since weighed in on the situation. Former Scotland international Kris Boyd, who has had his own spats with Sutton in the past, told Sky Sports News that both men needed to “grow up and move on.” Boyd remarked, “It’s the kind of nonsense that gives Scottish football a bad name. Tavernier’s been under pressure this season, and Sutton loves winding him up but calling someone a ‘dumb dog’ is just embarrassing all round.”
Meanwhile, Rangers have not issued an official statement regarding the matter, and sources close to the club have declined to confirm whether Tavernier’s account was compromised. One insider told reporters that “the captain regrets how it looks” and that “James wants to focus on football, not social media drama.”
For Sutton, however, the apology — or lack thereof — appears insufficient. Speaking later on BT Sport’s Scottish Football Extra, the pundit doubled down on his criticism, suggesting the incident reflects a lack of leadership from the Rangers skipper. “You’re supposed to be the captain of Rangers Football Club — a massive institution,” Sutton said. “You represent the badge, the fans, and the history. Behaving like that on Instagram? That’s not leadership. That’s childish.”
Fans across social media have been divided. Some Rangers supporters defended Tavernier, arguing that Sutton’s constant provocation over the years invited such a response. Others, including neutrals, criticized the captain for failing to maintain professionalism, especially given his position. Celtic fans, unsurprisingly, rallied behind Sutton, flooding timelines with memes and jabs at Tavernier’s expense.
As of Saturday night, the “dumb dog” controversy remains one of the most talked-about stories in Scottish football. Hashtags like #TavernierVsSutton and #DumbDogGate have trended on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of fans weighing in on who crossed the line first.
It’s not the first time Sutton has been at the center of a public feud. Over the years, he has clashed with numerous figures in the Scottish game, including Steven Gerrard and Ally McCoist, often over Rangers’ performances in Europe and domestic competition. Yet even by his standards, this latest exchange feels particularly personal.
As the dust begins to settle, both Sutton and Tavernier will face pressure to de-escalate the situation. Still, judging by Sutton’s fiery tone, reconciliation seems unlikely anytime soon. “I’m not backing down,” he said to close out his radio appearance. “If you want to call me names, fine. But don’t expect me to stay quiet. The truth always bites back — harder than any ‘dumb dog.’”
