Paul Merson tears into the SPFL and brands one Celtic star a “snake ” who always gets away with murder
Former Arsenal and England midfielder Paul Merson has launched a scathing attack on the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), accusing it of showing bias and leniency towards a Celtic player he described as “a snake who always gets away with murder on the pitch.”
Merson made the explosive comments during a heated exchange on Soccer Saturday, following Celtic’s 3–1 win over Rangers at Hampden Park. His remarks have since gone viral across social media, sparking fierce debate among Scottish football fans and pundits.
The outspoken pundit, known for his unfiltered opinions, criticised what he sees as a lack of accountability in Scottish officiating.
“It’s the same every time,” Merson said. “There’s one player at Celtic who constantly crosses the line. He dives, he provokes, he gets away with late challenges and nothing ever happens. He’s a snake on the pitch, and the SPFL keeps turning a blind eye. It’s embarrassing.”
Although Merson stopped short of naming the player directly, fans online were quick to speculate about who he was referring to. Within hours, clips of the broadcast had circulated widely on X (formerly Twitter), racking up thousands of comments and shares.
“Paul Merson calling out Celtic live on air? He’s not wrong,” one user wrote, while another replied, “Typical bias from down south he doesn’t understand Scottish football.”
During the segment, Merson also accused referees of inconsistency when dealing with Celtic players compared to their opponents.
“If a Rangers or Hearts player did half of what he does, they’d be off the pitch before half-time,” he added. “The SPFL needs to grow a backbone and start punishing repeat offenders. You can’t let players act untouchable just because of the badge on their shirt.”
His comments immediately divided opinion among pundits. Former Scotland international James McFadden, who was in the studio, disagreed with Merson’s assessment, insisting that the Celtic star in question is simply “a clever footballer who plays with edge.” McFadden responded, “You need that in big games. Every successful team has one player who winds opponents up and pushes the limits. It’s part of the sport.”
Merson, however, refused to back down, doubling down on his remarks later in the program. “You can call it edge if you like,” he said. “I call it cheating. If you’re constantly conning referees and kicking out when no one’s looking, that’s not clever it’s cowardly. It sets the wrong example for young players.”
The SPFL has not commented on Merson’s remarks, though sources within the league reportedly dismissed his comments as “attention-seeking.” However, the story has dominated headlines in both Scotland and England, highlighting once again the scrutiny surrounding officiating standards north of the border.
BBC Sport Scotland analyst Michael Stewart noted that Merson’s outburst, while inflammatory, reflects broader frustrations among pundits and fans. “We’ve seen several high-profile incidents this season where players have gone unpunished for aggressive or cynical behaviour,” Stewart said. “Whether Merson’s right or wrong about the individual, it points to a larger issue about consistency in refereeing.”
Celtic have also declined to respond officially, but sources close to the club told BBC Scotland that they view the comments as “unprofessional and disrespectful.” One insider said, “It’s disappointing to hear such loaded language used on a national broadcast, especially without evidence. Our players are competitive but fair, and they play within the rules.”
The controversy arrives at a time when tensions between rival fanbases are already running high following the fiery Old Firm derby. McGregor’s own post-match remarks about Rangers’ behaviour calling them “classless and desperate” had already ignited discussion before Merson’s comments poured further fuel on the rivalry.
Despite the uproar, Merson appeared unapologetic when asked about his comments after the show. “I said what everyone’s thinking,” he told reporters. “There’s one rule for Celtic and another for everyone else. I won’t apologise for being honest.”
As debate continues online and across the airwaves, the SPFL finds itself under renewed pressure to defend the integrity of its officials. Meanwhile, Celtic fans have rallied behind their team, calling Merson’s comments “lazy punditry” and “typical English sensationalism.”
Whether his outburst sparks any formal response from the league remains to be seen, but one thing is certain Paul Merson has once again found himself at the centre of a football storm that shows no sign of calming down.
