HEARTS CAPTAIN LAWRENCE SHANKLAND BRANDS CELTIC PLAYER “MOST TOXIC” AND TAKES A DIG AT RODGERS AFTER 3–1 VICTORY

Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland did not hold back following his team’s emphatic 3–1 victory over Celtic at Tynecastle, branding a Celtic player the “most toxic” he has ever faced and taking a cheeky swipe at manager Brendan Rodgers in a post-match interview that has quickly gone viral.

Shankland, known for his forthright personality both on and off the pitch, reserved no punches in his assessment of the Hoops. Speaking to reporters, he criticised the temperament of the Celtic squad, describing them as overly aggressive and quick to lose their composure over issues he deemed resolvable.

“They are too aggressive,” Shankland said. “They easily get mad over things that could be solved quickly. When they lose, it seems like they want to fight rather than focus on improving. That kind of mentality makes it very hard to play against them, but also shows where the cracks are.”

The Hearts skipper’s comments appear to reflect a wider sense of frustration that has occasionally surfaced among opponents when facing Celtic’s traditionally dominant side. While the Hoops have long been the benchmark of Scottish football, Shankland’s remarks highlight what he sees as a decline in professionalism and composure among certain players. His description of one individual as the “most toxic” player he has encountered is particularly striking and is likely to raise eyebrows in Scottish football circles.

Shankland did not stop at criticising individual players. He also took aim at the club’s approach under Rodgers, in a tongue-in-cheek reference to the manager’s style. “Celtic are like an old Ferrari,” he said

“Celtic are too aggressive; whenever they lose, they want to fight the opposition rather than focus on football. It makes them hard to play against and exposes their frustration.”

suggesting that while they may have a history of speed and prestige, their current squad lacks the polish and reliability they once possessed. It was a remark that drew laughter from his teammates and light-hearted reactions from fans on social media, though it carries an unmistakable edge of provocation.

From a tactical perspective, Hearts’ performance reinforced Shankland’s points. The Jambos pressed with discipline, exploited space effectively, and capitalised on Celtic’s lapses in concentration and composure. In particular, the first-half goal from Shankland himself set the tone for a dominant display, putting Celtic on the back foot and forcing them into errors that ultimately cost them the match.

The interview also gives insight into Hearts’ mindset. Shankland’s willingness to speak candidly demonstrates a confidence in his side’s preparation and ability to compete at the top level. By openly criticising the opposition’s mentality, he has sent a clear message about Hearts’ ambitions this season: they are not intimidated by the historical dominance of Celtic and are prepared to challenge them both physically and psychologically.

For Celtic, however, the comments are unlikely to be welcomed. While the Hoops have enjoyed a period of domestic dominance, recurring criticisms about temperament and aggression may indicate areas where the squad needs to reflect and improve. Football analysts suggest that maintaining composure, especially in high-pressure fixtures against rivals like Hearts, remains a critical factor in sustaining long-term success. Rodgers’ team may now face scrutiny not only for their tactical performance but also for the attitudes highlighted by Shankland.

Shankland’s remarks also underline a cultural shift in Scottish football. Increasingly, captains and senior players are willing to speak publicly about the mentality of opponents, rather than keeping such opinions private. While it carries risk particularly in potentially inflaming tensions ahead of future matches it also reinforces the narrative of Hearts as a team that believes in holding its own against the traditionally dominant forces in the league.

As the Scottish Premiership season progresses, the comments are likely to reverberate. Celtic may need to manage both their on-field performances and the perceptions created by high-profile defeats. For Hearts, the victory and Shankland’s outspoken reflections serve as a morale boost, a clear statement of intent that the Tynecastle side is ready to challenge the status quo.

Lawrence Shankland’s post-match interview goes beyond the typical celebration of victory. It provides a candid critique of Celtic’s squad mentality, labels a player “the most toxic” he has faced, and takes a cheeky dig at the coaching setup. Whether taken as humour, criticism, or psychological gamesmanship, the remarks mark a notable moment in the rivalry between Edinburgh and Glasgow, highlighting both Hearts’ resurgence and potential vulnerabilities within Celtic’s current squad.