Chris Sutton didn’t hold back in the wake of Celtic’s exit from the Champions League, delivering a pointed message to the board over their failure to recruit quality players before the play‑off against Kairat Almaty.

The former Celtic striker suggested the club’s lack of action on the transfer front contributed directly to their downfall.

Celtic’s inability to reinforce in key areas ahead of such a pivotal tie left the squad vulnerable. Sutton summed it up perfectly, calling it a gamble that didn’t pay off.

Such criticism from a club legend speaks volumes. It highlights broader frustrations over boardroom inertia and poor timing in transfer strategy, especially at a moment when European progression depended on sharp preparation.

With scrutiny now intensified and the fallout inevitable, attention turns to those at the top, those responsible for giving Rodgers the tools he needed to compete on the biggest stage.

The gamble didn’t pay off… turning phone off…

— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) August 26, 2025

Now, with fans and pundits questioning the board’s choices, the message is clear: more needs to be done to fix the damage and win back trust. For a club like Celtic, learning the hard way in Europe comes at a big cost.

Sutton’s comments highlight a clear point, having good players isn’t enough. Without smart signings at the right time and strong leadership, even top squads can fall short.

It’s a tough time at Celtic Park. Every day without proper action adds to the gap between the supporters and the board, and leaves the manager dealing with rising pressure.

The real challenge now is how fast the club can recover, bring in quality, and turn early season hopes into real success at home and in Europe.