CELTIC CAPTAIN McGREGOR BRANDS RANGERS “TOXIC TEAM IN SCOTLAND, CLASSLESS AND DESPERATE” IN SAVAGE NINE MINUTE INTERVIEW
Celtic captain Callum McGregor has caused major controversy after describing Rangers as “the most toxic team in Scotland, classless and desperate” during a nine-minute post-match interview following his side’s 3–1 win at Hampden Park.
Celtic’s victory came after a tense first half that saw Rangers reduced for a reckless challenge. McGregor’s words added an extra layer of drama already rich with emotion. Clips of his interview spread rapidly online, drawing millions of views within hours. Fans debated whether the Celtic captain’s honesty was refreshing or reckless.
The midfielder made the comments shortly after Celtic booked their place in the Scottish League Cup semi final with a confident victory over their city rivals. His remarks have since gone viral across social media, drawing strong reactions from both sets of supporters.
“I have played against some fierce sides in my career,” McGregor said. “But that lot are something else. The most toxic team in Scotland, classless and desperate. When the game slips away from them, the attitude changes completely. It stops being about football and becomes about disruption, about noise, about chaos. You saw it”
One Celtic supporter posted on X, “That is our captain speaking the truth. No sugar-coating, just pure passion.” Another wrote, “He said what every Celtic fan has been thinking for years.”
Rangers fans were less impressed. Many called McGregor’s comments disrespectful and unnecessary in the aftermath of such an important win. “Celtic talk about class, but this is the opposite,” one fan said. “Celebrate your win, don’t drag us through the mud.”
McGregor, however, stood by his words. Speaking again to reporters later in the evening, he refused to apologise or clarify his remarks. “Everyone saw the game,” he said. “It is not about being disrespectful, it is about being honest. We came to play football. They came to play chaos. There is a difference.”
The Celtic skipper, who is known for his calm presence and leadership, rarely speaks in such strong terms. His outburst suggests deep frustration after years of fiercely contested derbies.
BBC pundit Michael Stewart said McGregor’s comments were “unusually direct but clearly heartfelt.” He added: “He has played in enough Old Firm matches to know what he is talking about. It was raw emotion and complete honesty.”
Others were more critical. A former Rangers player, speaking off the record, described McGregor’s remarks as “poor form” and warned that they could increase tension ahead of future fixtures. “He has earned respect for his performances, but calling another club toxic is going too far. It only fuels more hostility,” the former player said.
Despite the controversy, McGregor’s leadership on the pitch could not be questioned. He was instrumental in dictating the tempo of play and driving Celtic forward throughout the match. His goal from outside the box early in extra time effectively ended Rangers’ resistance and sent the Celtic supporters into wild celebration.
When asked whether he had any regrets about his comments, McGregor simply replied: “No. I said what I felt in the moment. Respect is earned on the pitch, not through empty words.”
shows a yellow card to Auston Trusty of Celtic during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park on November 02, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The Scottish FA is understood to be reviewing the footage but is unlikely to take disciplinary action. Officials noted that McGregor’s comments, while strong, did not name individual players or staff members directly.
For Celtic, the focus now turns to the League Cup Final, where they will look to build on the momentum of this victory. For Rangers, the fallout from both the defeat and McGregor’s comments may linger for some time.
In Glasgow, reaction to the captain’s remarks has divided the city once again. To Celtic fans, he has spoken the truth with passion. To Rangers supporters, his words are a sign of arrogance and disrespect.
Whatever the interpretation, McGregor’s interview has ensured that this latest chapter of the Old Firm rivalry will not be forgotten quickly. His comments have added a fresh spark to one of football’s most heated rivalries and guaranteed that when the two sides meet again, emotions will run even higher.
