CALLUM MCGREGOR ATTACKS THE POPULAR SKY SPORTS JOURNALIST: “NEVER TALK ABOUT ME OR CELTIC FC AGAIN” AFTER HER COMMENTS ON THE 2:0 WIN AGAINST TALBOT F.C.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor delivered a furious on-air rebuke to Sky Sports journalist Rachel O’Donnell following Celtic’s 2–0 Scottish Cup victory over Auchinleck Talbot, turning a routine post-match interview into one of the most explosive interview moments of the season.
The Hoops progressed comfortably! thanks to goals from Johnny Kenny and substitute Sebastián Tounekti, but the football itself was quickly overshadowed by a tense and confrontational exchange that unfolded live on Sky Sports moments after the final whistle.
McGregor, standing pitch-side and still wearing the captain’s armband, initially appeared relaxed as Racheal O’ Donnel opened the interview by asking about Celtic’s performance and squad rotation. The captain spoke calmly about professionalism, praising Talbot’s organisation and emphasising Celtic’s focus on “doing the basics right.”
However, the tone shifted abruptly when O’Donnell raised the subject that has lingered around the club in recent weeks accusations from opposition figures suggesting Celtic benefit from officiating bias, and the club’s consistent refusal to address those claims publicly.
“Callum,” O’Donnell asked, “there’s been a lot said this week by opposition clubs regarding perceived bias, and Celtic have chosen not to respond. Why does the club continue to avoid engaging with those accusations?”
The question visibly irritated McGregor. He paused for several seconds, clenched his jaw, and glanced briefly away from the camera before responding.
“Because it’s rubbish,” he said flatly. “Absolute rubbish.”
O’Donnell, maintaining a neutral tone, attempted to expand on the question.
“But some would argue that the silence only adds fuel to”
McGregor cut her off.
“No, it doesn’t,” he snapped. “That’s your narrative, not ours.”
The tension was now unmistakable. McGregor’s posture stiffened, and his voice grew sharper with each response. O’Donnell, clearly aware of the shift, persisted carefully.
“As captain, do you feel a responsibility to address concerns from other clubs in the interest of transparency?”
That was the moment the interview boiled over.
“Responsibility to who?” McGregor fired back.
“We’re here to play football. We win games because we work harder, because we’re organised, because we’re a good team — not because of referees.”
O’Donnell attempted to regain control.
“I’m just asking why the club won’t ”
McGregor interrupted again, now visibly angry.
“No, you’re pushing something that doesn’t exist. And I won’t stand here and let you do that.”
The exchange reached its breaking point seconds later, when McGregor delivered a line that stunned viewers and prompted an audible gasp in the studio.
“Never talk about me or Celtic Football Club like that again,” he said firmly.
“If you want to talk football, fine. But don’t disrespect this club with lazy accusations.”
The camera lingered on O’Donnell, who looked momentarily taken aback but remained composed. She nodded, acknowledged the comment, and attempted to steer the conversation back to the match.
“Okay, let’s focus on the football”
But McGregor was finished. He offered a brief comment about progressing in the cup and walked away, ending the interview prematurely as Sky Sports quickly cut back to the studio.
The moment immediately ignited reaction across social media. Clips of the confrontation circulated widely within minutes, with Celtic supporters overwhelmingly backing their captain. Many praised McGregor for “defending the club” and accused Sky Sports of deliberately provoking controversy.
Others, including some pundits, questioned whether the captain’s response crossed a line, arguing that while the topic was sensitive, the journalist was doing her job by asking a legitimate question.
From Celtic’s perspective, the stance remains unchanged. The club has consistently refused to comment on bias allegations, viewing them as distractions designed to undermine success on the pitch. McGregor made that position clear, even amid his anger.
“We don’t get involved in that nonsense,” he said before leaving the broadcast area.
“We let our football do the talking.”
Sky Sports has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, and Rachel O’Donnell continued her presenting duties later in the programme without referencing the exchange. Sources within the broadcaster indicated the interview was conducted in line with editorial standards.
What should have been a straightforward cup victory has now become another flashpoint in Scottish football’s increasingly charged atmosphere and another reminder of how quickly post-match interviews can ignite controversy.
For Callum McGregor, it was a rare public loss of composure. For everyone watching, it was a moment that overshadowed the result and ensured the conversation would continue long after the final whistle.
