CAPTAIN MCGREGOR ATTACKED HEARTS STAR WHO REFUSED TO SHAKE HIM AFTER 2:2 DRAW, SAYS ‘HE CAN NEVER REACH MY LEVEL”
Celtic captain Callum McGregor sparked major controversy after the final whistle of Celtic’s dramatic 2 2 draw with Hearts, launching a blistering verbal attack on Hearts midfielder Cláudio Braga during a heated post match interview that quickly overshadowed the football itself.
The flashpoint came moments after full time when television cameras appeared to catch Braga walking past McGregor without acknowledging an attempted handshake. What initially seemed like a minor gesture soon escalated into a full blown war of words, with McGregor visibly furious as he spoke to broadcasters in the mixed zone.
Clearly still seething, the Celtic skipper did not hold back.
“I went to shake his hand because that’s what professionals do,” McGregor said. “He looks straight through me and walks away. That tells you everything about the mindset.”
McGregor, usually known for his composed leadership, delivered one of the most confrontational interviews of his career, accusing Braga of disrespect, obsession and arrogance.
“He’s far too obsessed with Celtic,” McGregor continued. “Some players come here and it becomes the biggest day of their lives. They forget where they are in the game. I’ve been doing this at the highest level for years.”
The Celtic captain then made the remark that has since ignited fierce debate across Scottish football.
“With that attitude, he can never reach my level. Never,” McGregor said bluntly. “Respect is part of being a top player. If you don’t have that, you fall short. Simple as that.”
The comments sent shockwaves through the post match coverage, with pundits divided over whether McGregor was justified in calling out what he viewed as blatant disrespect or whether the captain had allowed emotions to boil over after a frustrating result.
Celtic had taken the lead for a moment, only for Hearts to respond on both occasions in a fiercely contested match filled with flashpoints, late tackles and relentless tempo. By the time the final whistle blew, tensions were already high and the handshake snub proved to be the final spark.
McGregor admitted the draw played a role in his emotional response but insisted his reaction was about standards rather than frustration.
“People will say it’s because of the result, but it’s not,” he said. “You win, lose or draw you show respect. That’s how I was brought up in this game. I won’t apologise for calling that out.”
Asked directly about Braga, McGregor doubled down.
“He’s a good player, but there’s a difference between being passionate and being disrespectful,” he added. “If you’re more focused on trying to make a statement against Celtic than on your own career, that tells its own story.”
Hearts declined to make Braga available for interview, though sources close to the club suggested the midfielder felt no obligation to engage after a physically demanding and emotionally charged match. Braga himself has yet to respond publicly to McGregor’s comments.
Reactions poured in across social media, with Celtic supporters largely backing their captain’s stance and praising his willingness to defend the club’s values. Hearts fans, however, accused McGregor of arrogance, arguing that the captain crossed a line by personalising the incident.
Former players and pundits were equally split. Some hailed McGregor’s interview as a captain protecting standards while others warned that such public criticism risked inflaming tensions further.
Despite the fallout, McGregor insisted his focus would quickly return to football.
“I’ve said my piece,” he concluded. “What matters is Celtic moving forward. But respect in this game still matters and I’ll always stand for that.”
Whether the incident fades or fuels future encounters between Celtic and Hearts remains to be seen. What is certain is that a simple missed handshake has become one of the most talked about moments of the season and McGregor’s words will not be forgotten any time soon.
