Chris Sutton Calls Out Celtic Star: Martin O’Neill Should Never include in the Starting XI Again After Shoddy Display vs VfB Stuttgart
Former Celtic striker and outspoken pundit Chris Sutton wasted no time in delivering a brutal assessment following the Hoops’ humiliating 1-4 defeat to VfB Stuttgart in the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-offs first leg at Celtic Park on February 19, 2026. Sutton described the team as “bang average” and singled out goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as a growing “liability,” stating the veteran should never be near the starting XI again after his errors contributed heavily to the loss.
The result leaves Celtic facing an almost impossible task in the return leg in Germany. Manager Martin O’Neill, in his second spell at the club, now faces intense scrutiny as the side’s European campaign hangs by a thread.
The match began promisingly for the hosts, but Stuttgart struck early. In the 15th minute, Bilal El Khannouss’s long-range effort slipped under Schmeichel’s body for the opener a goal many felt the experienced keeper should have saved comfortably. Celtic responded swiftly when Benjamin Nygren equalized in the 21st minute with a composed finish after good work from midfield.
However, defensive frailties resurfaced. Just seven minutes later, El Khannouss headed in his second from close range, exploiting poor marking. The second half brought further punishment: Jamie Leweling’s powerful 57th-minute strike beat Schmeichel at his near post, and substitute Tiago Tomás sealed the rout with a late chipped finish in stoppage time (90+3′).
Stuttgart were clinical, converting their chances ruthlessly despite Celtic holding slightly more possession. The home side managed only a handful of meaningful efforts, while the visitors exploited spaces with pace and precision. A section of the Celtic Park crowd booed Schmeichel on every touch after his mistakes, contributing to what Sutton called one of the flattest European atmospheres he could remember.
Sutton’s verdict was unforgiving: “As flat an atmosphere on a European night as I can remember. Sad to see. The result no surprise. This is a bang average Celtic team outclassed by an ok Stuttgart team. Schmeichel has been a top class keeper but he’s becoming a liability and he’s not the only one…
Schmeichel, the 39-year-old Danish international on loan from Leicester City, has faced criticism for recurring errors this season. His handling of the first two goals drew particular ire, with pundits and fans questioning his positioning and reflexes. Sutton’s call to drop him echoes growing sentiment that younger options, like backup keeper Viljami Sinisalo, deserve a chance in high-stakes games.
The issues extended beyond the goalkeeper. Centre-backs Auston Trusty and Liam Scales struggled with aerial duels and organization, leaving gaps that Stuttgart attackers exploited repeatedly. Trusty, in particular, looked shaky against El Khannouss’s movement, while Scales was caught out of position on multiple occasions. The absence of injured key defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has exposed vulnerabilities in the backline that makeshift pairings have failed to address.
Winger Daizen Maeda also underperformed, offering little defensive cover and wasting counter-attacking opportunities with poor decision-making and overhit crosses. While captain Callum McGregor showed typical fight and right-back Julian Araujo provided energy, the collective display lacked quality and cohesion against a competent but not elite Stuttgart side.
O’Neill defended his players post-match, emphasizing team responsibility and refusing to single out Schmeichel. “This is a team game and we’ll all have to deal with it,” he said, while acknowledging the need to reflect ahead of domestic challenges, including the upcoming Old Firm derby.
This defeat highlights Celtic’s ongoing European struggles despite domestic success. Sutton’s harsh words serve as a wake-up call: without changes starting in goal and defense the Hoops risk further disappointment on the continent. With the tie all but over, focus now turns to salvaging pride in Germany and regrouping for the league title race.
