Under-pressure Neil Lennon has been allowed an extended stay in the Celtic job because no fans are in the stadium, according to former team-mate Chris Sutton.
There have been several protests outside of Celtic Park as Rangers cruised 23-points ahead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Despite collapse of their title bid and fan fury, the Parkhead top brass have stuck by the gaffer so far.
Record Sport columnist Sutton believes that the reign may not have been allowed to continue by Peter Lawwell and Dermot Desmond if the stands were full of raging punters.
When asked if fans not being allowed inside Parkhead has allowed Lennon extra time he said: "I think it’s a really interesting debate this one.
"I think if the Celtic fans were allowed in the stadium, 60,000, then yes I think it would have a bigger impact on the decision-makers."
Celtic continued their recent upturn in form on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Motherwell in Glasgow's east end.
