Axed Sky Soccer Saturday pundit Charlie Nicholas blasts Sky Sports for not defending Andy Walker

Charlie Nicholas has hit out at Sky Sports for showing a ‘lack of support’ to Andy Walker after he was banned by Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers for comments he made on air.

It was revealed last week by the Scottish Sun that both clubs had told Walker to stay away from Celtic Park and Ibrox after his comments regarding their respective sides.

Rangers were livid after Walker criticised the club’s finances on Sky Sports while his former club Celtic are believed to be furious over his outspoken criticism of their controversial winter training camp in Dubai. 

Andy Walker has been banned from Ibrox and Parkhead following comments made on air

But Sky have yet to comment on Walker’s situation and Nicholas – who was axed by Soccer Saturday last year as they decided to shake things up – has slammed the decision to ban his former team-mate as an ‘absolute disgrace’ while calling out the broadcasters for not defending their pundit.

Nicholas also warned that the bitter feud could have ramifications on television deals going forward.

Nicholas, in his Daily Express column, said: ‘It is an absolute disgrace how Andy Walker has been left exposed by Celtic and Rangers. I haven’t spoken to my old friend in a wee while, since I left Sky.

Both Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers were angered by Walker’s comments on Sky Sports

‘The Old Firm duo have banned Andy from their grounds. They are two of the least helpful clubs in the world. They are happy to take the money from the television companies yet they want to tell pundits what they should and shouldn’t be saying.

‘It’s a shambles the way Andy has been treated. Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher are hard-hitting about Manchester United and Liverpool in their roles as pundits, but do they get banned by their old clubs?’

He added: ‘What concerns me is the lack of support that Sky has shown Andy.

‘They should be saying to Rangers and Celtic, “If you don’t let him into your grounds then we won’t be paying you for those games”.

Charlie Nicholas (right) has slammed Sky Sports for not defending his ex-Celtic team-mate

‘Celtic couldn’t wait to jump on the bandwagon because of Andy’s criticism after they heard had banned him.’

Walker had been replaced on Sky Sports for the recent Old Firm clash that Rangers won 4-1 by James McFadden – who was on co-commentary with Ally McCoist and Ian Crocker. 

Walker, who made his name at Celtic and was a centenary double winning hero having scored 39 goals in 150 league games for the club, has reportedly turned to lawyers over his situation.

Sportsmail has approached Sky Sports for comment.