CALLUM MCGREGOR ATTACKS THE POPULAR SKY SPORTS JOURNALIST: “NEVER TALK ABOUT ME OR CELTIC FC AGAIN” AFTER HER COMMENTS ON THE 3:1 WIN AGAINST RANGERS
Callum McGregor stormed out of a tense post match interview after Celtic F.C.’s dramatic 3:1 victory over Rangers F.C. at Celtic Park on Sunday, with the Celtic captain reportedly blasting a popular Sky Sports journalist during a heated exchange about controversial officiating decisions.
Celtic produced one of their biggest performances of the season to come from behind and defeat Rangers in front of a roaring home crowd. Rangers had taken an early lead through Mikey Moore before Yang Hyun-jun equalised for Celtic. Daizen Maeda then stole the show in the second half with two stunning goals, including an unbelievable overhead kick that sent supporters into wild celebrations. (reuters.com)
https://youtu.be/m7LzfoDc7Lo?si=CjPVL_Ks5gd6yOEI
But despite the huge win, controversy quickly followed McGregor into the press room after full time.
After the game, the Celtic captain entered the interview area in high spirits before the atmosphere suddenly changed when a female journalist questioned him about claims from Rangers supporters that officiating decisions favoured Celtic during the match.
The interview reportedly became uncomfortable almost immediately.
Journalist:
“Callum, many Rangers fans believe Celtic benefited from key refereeing decisions today, especially the Johnston challenge. What’s your response to those claims?”
McGregor:
“I think people should talk more about football and less about excuses.”
Journalist:
“But there are pundits saying Rangers were denied important decisions. Do you understand why supporters are angry?”
McGregor:
“No. We dominated the game. We deserved to win.”
The situation reportedly escalated when the journalist continued pressing the Celtic captain about the controversial challenge involving Alistair Johnston on Rangers winger Mikey Moore, which many fans and pundits believed could have resulted in a red card. (thescottishsun.co.uk)
Journalist:
“So you believe the officials got every major decision correct today?”
McGregor:
“I’m not here to discuss conspiracy theories after a 3:1 win.”
Journalist:
“Some people will say that sounds defensive.”
McGregor:
“Never talk about me or Celtic FC again if all you want to do is disrespect this team.”
According to fans discussing the incident online, McGregor then reportedly removed his microphone and walked away from the interview area while members of the media room sat in complete silence.
At the moment, there is no officially verified footage confirming the exact wording of the exchange. However, the alleged confrontation quickly exploded across social media, with clips, reactions and fan debates rapidly trending online following the Old Firm clash.
Many Celtic supporters defended their captain, arguing McGregor was justified in reacting strongly after seeing Celtic’s performance overshadowed by discussions about refereeing.
Others criticised the midfielder’s reported response and claimed professional players should remain calm even during difficult interviews.
The officiating controversy centred mainly around Johnston’s second half challenge on Mikey Moore. Several pundits later argued the Celtic defender was fortunate to avoid a sending off after replays showed heavy contact during the tackle. (thescottishsun.co.uk)
Despite the controversy, Celtic fans inside the stadium focused mainly on celebrating a massive derby victory that could completely change the direction of the Scottish Premiership title race.
Maeda’s spectacular bicycle kick immediately went viral online and is already being described by supporters as one of the greatest Old Firm goals in recent years. (theguardian.com)
The win also kept Celtic’s title hopes alive heading into the final weeks of the season while increasing pressure on Rangers after another painful defeat against their biggest rivals. (reuters.com)
For now, though, much of Scottish football is talking less about the scoreline and more about the explosive confrontation involving Callum McGregor after the final whistle.
And with tensions between Celtic and Rangers already at boiling point, the fallout from the dramatic interview could continue dominating headlines for days.
