Chris Sutton has urged the Green Brigade to stand firm over their Celtic boycott, insisting Sunday’s 7-1 thrashing of Hearts doesn’t change the problems supporters have with the club.

The former Hoops striker says he regularly speaks to Celtic fans who are furious at the board’s lack of European ambition and understands why the Green Brigade have decided to take action.

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Chris Sutton urges Green Brigade to ‘stick to their guns’ over Celtic boycott

Speaking to Record Sport, Sutton said: “The Green Brigade should stick to their guns. I don’t always agree with the way they go about things but I can understand their frustration and the feeling supporters are being ignored.

“They are taking the kind of action they feel will force Celtic to take note. They are not alone either. I speak to a lot of Celtic fans who feel angry and frustrated at the lack of ambition shown in terms of Europe.”

The Green Brigade announced their Celtic boycott earlier this month, withdrawing from the Home Cup Ticket Scheme and refusing to attend the club’s remaining home Europa League fixtures and Scottish Cup matches.

The group have been increasingly critical of the Celtic board and believe their concerns are being ignored.

Sutton says Celtic’s Hearts thrashing changes nothing about European failures

Martin O’Neill’s side destroyed Hearts on Sunday, but Sutton pointed to the 4-1 defeat against Benfica just days earlier as evidence of Celtic’s struggles against European opposition.

He said: “The win against Hearts was a real positive but rattling a couple of domestic opponents doesn’t change anything.

“It’s only been a few days since they were turned over by Benfica. Martin O’Neill tried to put on a brave face but Celtic were thoroughly outclassed.”

Celtic have lost both Europa League matches this season, conceding seven goals against Ferencvaros and Benfica. O’Neill’s side now face Celta Vigo at Celtic Park on Thursday, with the pressure on to get their first points on the board.

But Sutton’s criticism isn’t aimed at the manager. He believes Celtic haven’t been given the squad needed to compete against stronger European sides.

He added: “Sunday’s win was much more like it but supporters have been crying out for European success, and they have not been properly equipped to compete at the Europa level never mind the Champions League.

“Boycotting big matches like this is a drastic measure but I can understand how they see this might be a way to get the message across.”