Chris Sutton has been challenged over the notion that Rangers—or any Europa League winner—deserve a direct place in the Champions League, with critics claiming there’s “no justification” for such a reward.
Rangers remain firmly in the hunt for European glory, having drawn 0-0 with Athletic Club in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final at Ibrox. Victory in the tournament would secure them automatic entry into next season’s Champions League group stages.
On the It’s All Kicking Off podcast, hosted by Daily Mail journalist Ian Ladyman, the idea of granting a Champions League berth to the Europa League winners was harshly criticised.
Ladyman argued that allowing clubs who underperform domestically—like Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United—to qualify for Europe’s elite competition by winning the Europa League promotes what he called “elitism in its dirtiest form.” He claimed it undermines the efforts of progressive sides such as Brighton, Brentford, and Fulham, who are striving to break into the Premier League’s upper echelons.
He said: “Winning the Europa League gives you a free ride straight into the Champions League group stage. That’s just wrong—it’s elitist and unfair. Clubs who’ve failed in their domestic leagues shouldn’t get a lifeline like that. It’s a slap in the face to those working hard to climb the ladder the right way.”
Surprisingly, Chris Sutton, known for his sharp criticism of Rangers, took a different stance. Despite his recent comments calling the club’s staff “pathetic” for their celebrations against Aberdeen, Sutton defended Europa League participants.
He insisted that all clubs competing in the tournament earned their place and should be allowed to chase the rewards tied to it—including Champions League qualification.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re one of the traditional giants or not,” said Sutton. “They got into the Europa League on merit, and if they win it, they deserve the prize that comes with it. That’s how the system works—not just in England, but across Europe.”
