ST MIRREN CAPTAIN MARK O’HARA SLAMMED CALLUM McGREGOR AS A ‘HYPOCRITE’ FOR HIS ACTIONS AFTER THE FINAL WHISTLE

St Mirren captain Mark O’Hara has launched a scathing attack on Callum McGregor, branding the Celtic skipper a “hypocrite” following a fiery end to their Scottish Cup semi-final clash.

The controversy erupted in the aftermath of St Mirren’s crushing 6–2 defeat to Celtic FC, a result that not only ended their cup run but also left tensions running high between both sets of players after the final whistle.

Heavy defeat sparks frustration

St Mirren entered the semi-final with hopes of causing an upset, but they were ultimately overwhelmed by a dominant Celtic performance. The Glasgow side controlled the game from the early stages, showcasing their attacking strength and experience on the big stage.

Despite managing to score twice, St Mirren FC struggled to cope with Celtic’s relentless pressure, eventually conceding six goals in a humbling defeat that confirmed their elimination from the competition.

For O’Hara and his teammates, the result was a bitter one to accept, particularly given the magnitude of the occasion and the expectations surrounding the fixture.

O’Hara reacts to post-match scenes

However, it was not just the scoreline that angered the St Mirren captain. Speaking after the match, O’Hara expressed strong disappointment with what he described as McGregor’s conduct following the final whistle.

According to O’Hara, the Celtic captain failed to show the level of sportsmanship expected in such moments, instead choosing to celebrate passionately with supporters while St Mirren players were left to process their defeat.

In comments that have quickly circulated among fans and media, O’Hara did not hold back in his assessment.

“It’s disappointing,” he said. “You expect a bit of class in those moments. We’ve just been knocked out, and as captain, you look for that respect between players.”

“That’s not leadership”  O’Hara

O’Hara went further, accusing McGregor of failing to uphold the standards typically associated with leadership on the pitch.

“For me, that’s not leadership,” he continued. “You can celebrate with your fans, of course, but there’s a way to do it. When you’re the captain, people look at you for how to act in those situations.”

The St Mirren skipper suggested that McGregor became “carried away” in the moment, aligning himself with jubilant Celtic supporters in a manner that, in O’Hara’s view, crossed a line.

“He got caught up in it,” O’Hara added. “The fans are celebrating, that’s normal, but as a captain, you’ve got to manage yourself better than that.”

“Hypocrite” accusation adds fuel

The most striking part of O’Hara’s comments came when he directly labelled McGregor a “hypocrite,” a remark that has intensified the fallout from the match.

While O’Hara did not expand in detail on the accusation, the implication appeared to be that McGregor, who has previously spoken about respect and professionalism in football, failed to demonstrate those same values in this instance.

The statement has since sparked debate across football circles, with many questioning whether the criticism is justified or simply the product of post-defeat frustration.

McGregor yet to respond

At the time of writing, McGregor has not publicly responded to O’Hara’s comments. The Celtic captain had earlier been vocal about his team’s performance and pre-match criticism from pundits, but this latest development introduces a new layer to the post-match narrative.

Celtic, meanwhile, remain focused on their progression to the final, with their emphatic victory reinforcing their status as strong contenders for silverware.

Divided reactions from fans and pundits

The incident has divided opinion among supporters and analysts. Some have backed O’Hara, arguing that captains should set an example by showing respect to opponents, particularly after such a one-sided result.

Others have defended McGregor, pointing out that emotional celebrations are a natural part of football, especially after securing a place in a major final. They argue that players should not be criticised for sharing the moment with fans who have supported them throughout the campaign.

The debate highlights the fine line between passion and professionalism in modern football, where every action is closely scrutinised in the spotlight.

Focus shifts beyond the controversy

While the fallout continues, both teams will now look ahead. Celtic turn their attention to the upcoming final, buoyed by a commanding performance that underlined their attacking quality.

For St Mirren, the focus will be on regrouping after a difficult defeat and channeling the disappointment into their remaining fixtures.

However, the tension between O’Hara and McGregor ensures that this semi-final will be remembered for more than just the scoreline, as questions around leadership, respect, and conduct continue to dominate the conversation in the days that follow.