MCGREGOR PUBLICLY DISGRACED POPULAR FOOTBALL LEGEND WHO REFERRED TO HIM AS A “TOXIC CAPTAIN ” ON NATIONAL TV BEFORE THE CELTIC VS FALKIRK FC GAME

Celtic captain Callum McGregor delivered one of the most forceful post match interviews of his career following Celtic’s victory over Falkirk FC, responding directly to pre match criticism that had sparked intense debate across Scottish football.

Usually calm and understated in front of the media, McGregor struck a far more assertive tone after full time, clearly aggrieved by comments made earlier in the day that questioned both his leadership and the direction of the club. The interview quickly became the dominant talking point of the evening, overshadowing the result itself.

The criticism came before kick off from Scotland football legend Kris Boyd during Sky Sports’ pre match coverage, where he spoke alongside Chris Sutton. Boyd said,

The comments referenced Celtic’s managerial upheaval, linking McGregor’s leadership to the sacking of Wilfred Nancy before interim boss Martin O’Neill took charge.

McGregor chose not to respond immediately but made it clear after the match that the remarks had struck a nerve. Speaking to broadcasters, the Celtic skipper addressed the comments directly, abandoning his usual diplomatic approach.

“In Scotland, I used to respect him and always cherish what he did in the game,” McGregor said. “But I’ve lost all respect for him now. Respect is reciprocal.”

The statement marked a rare public rebuke from a player widely admired for his professionalism and composure. McGregor’s words reflected not only personal disappointment but a broader frustration at what he perceived as irresponsible commentary delivered on a national platform.

He went on to explain that while criticism of performances and results is inevitable, questioning a player’s character and leadership crosses a line.

“People are entitled to analyse football, that’s part of the job,” he added. “But when it turns personal, when you’re attacking someone’s integrity and leadership without knowing what goes on inside the club, that’s different.”

McGregor also firmly rejected the idea that strong leadership equates to toxicity, defending his approach as one rooted in standards and accountability.

“This club was built on standards,” he said. “If holding people accountable and demanding the best is seen as toxic, then I’m comfortable with that.”

Boyd’s comments, made in the presence of Chris Sutton, drew particular attention, with viewers noting Sutton’s visible discomfort and lack of immediate response. The silence in the studio fuelled debate among supporters, many of whom questioned why such strong claims were allowed to pass unchallenged on air.

Despite this, McGregor avoided criticising Sutton directly, instead keeping his focus on the substance of Boyd’s remarks and their wider impact.

The reaction to McGregor’s interview was swift and emphatic. Social media was flooded with messages of support from Celtic supporters praising their captain for standing up for himself and the club. Several former players and pundits also defended McGregor, highlighting the pressures faced by captains operating under constant public scrutiny.

Inside the Celtic dressing room, McGregor’s stance was understood as a show of leadership rather than a distraction. Team mates were reportedly supportive, viewing his comments as a necessary defence of the group amid growing external noise.

Neither Boyd nor Sky Sports have issued a response to McGregor’s remarks, and it remains unclear whether the former Scotland international will address the fallout. For McGregor, however, the matter appeared settled.

“I know who I am,” he said. “The people in this club know who I am. That’s what matters.”

In a moment that revealed a different side of Celtic’s usually reserved captain, McGregor made it clear that while criticism may be part of football, respect once lost is not easily regained.