Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has provided a measured response to the club’s Scottish Cup final defeat, describing the 2024/25 campaign as “outstanding” despite the bitter end at Hampden Park.
Celtic were aiming for yet another domestic treble under Brendan Rodgers, having already secured the Premiership title and the League Cup. But their dreams were dashed by a determined Aberdeen side, who triumphed 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time. Dons goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov was the hero, saving spot-kicks from captain Callum McGregor and Alistair Johnston to seal Aberdeen’s first Scottish Cup victory in 35 years.
Sutton, reacting to the defeat on social media, struck a tone of realism while giving due credit to the victors. “Well played, Aberdeen and Jimmy Thelin. Mitov outstanding in the shoot-out,” he wrote on X. “Not easy winning trebles and in recent times Celtic have made it look easy, but as shown today it is anything but. Still an outstanding season for Celtic, but Aberdeen deserve their day.”
Well played Aberdeen and Jimmy Thelin. Mitov outstanding in the shoot out. Not easy winning trebles and in recent times Celtic have made it look easy but as shown today it is anything but. Still an outstanding season for Celtic but Aberdeen deserve their day👏👏👏
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) May 24, 2025
Celtic have made a habit of hoarding silverware over the last decade, collecting five domestic trebles in nine years. That unprecedented dominance has set towering expectations at the club. Sutton, however, was quick to remind fans of the immense difficulty in sustaining such success year after year.
While the penalty shoot-out loss was a tough pill to swallow, particularly for McGregor, who called his miss “the worst moment I have ever had in football”, the broader context remains overwhelmingly positive. A league and League Cup double, paired with a commendable Champions League run that saw Celtic reach the knockout stages, underlines the club’s enduring quality and ambition.
Aberdeen deserved their moment, but as Sutton’s words suggest, Celtic’s foundation remains solid. The disappointment may linger through the summer, but Rodgers’ side will return next season with the hunger to reclaim all three domestic trophies… and more.
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Sutton spot on.
Bad day to have an off day. Celtic have won finals playing poorly.
I note some Celtic fans? are telling B R to move on.
Be careful what you wish for.
Hail Hail.