“TOXIC”- Celtic skipper Callum McGregor fires savage swipe at Rangers following their 3-1 loss

“TOXIC”- Celtic skipper Callum McGregor fires savage swipe at Rangers following their 3-1 loss

On 2 November 2025, in the high-stakes semi-final of the Scottish League Cup, Celtic F.C. defeated their arch-rivals Rangers F.C. 3-1 after extra time.

The match was intense, heated, and controversial: Rangers were reduced to 10 men, and there were multiple moments that sparked questioning of officiating and game management.

In that context, Celtic captain McGregor took to the podium for his post-match press conference.

What McGregor Said

Although full transcripts of his comments are not easily found in the public domain, key highlights emerged:

McGregor expressed pride in his team’s performance: “I’m delighted … the whole place comes alive again, you can see how much it means to the players.”

On his own goal (a long-range strike in extra time): “If you don’t shoot you don’t score, it was a big moment in the game.”

Notably, he made pointed remarks about the nature of the rivalry and the atmosphere of the game — he subtly referenced how players and management had to stay composed amid provocation and controversy.

While direct quotes of controversial remarks are scarce, the tone of the interview caused ripples in media and fan circles.

The Controversial Take: Hidden in the Subtext

While McGregor did not appear to launch a direct salvo at Rangers or single out individuals, observers picked up on the underlying tone and some off-hand remarks:

The match featured a straight red card for Rangers’ Thelo Aasgård for a studs-up challenge, which shifted the momentum.

Some media outlets interpreted McGregor’s comments — such as “the whole place comes alive again” and references to handling pressure — as jabs at Rangers’ capacity to cope when the tide turns.

Given the intense Old Firm rivalry, any praise of one’s own side’s resilience often carries an implicit critique of the opponent’s discipline, mindset or tactical response.

The controversy arises less from overt criticism, and more from the power of the occasion: McGregor, as Celtic captain, assumed the role of delivering a statement — and in such matches, statements are never just about one’s own team.

Why It Matters

In rivalry games like this, press-conference comments can take on outsized significance. McGregor’s comments will be analysed by fans, pundits and the rival camp.

The way he addressed pressure, discipline, and collective identity indicates a leadership stance: he’s not simply talking about the win, but about how the club handles big moments.

For Rangers, the implicit message — that Celtic “comes alive” when it matters — will sting. The narrative becomes not just winning, but responding under fire.

For Celtic, the conference cements McGregor’s role as the voice of the dressing room, able to articulate both praise and implicit challenge without crossing into provocation.

Looking Ahead: Implications and Reactions

Expect this press-conference to feature in build-ups to future Old Firm games. Rangers’ supporters and media may view McGregor’s tone as “patronising” or “provocative,” even if technically measured.

Celtic will likely lean into this narrative of resilience and momentum. McGregor’s words give them a psychological edge: they’re not just talking results, they’re talking attitude.

For Rangers, responding in the matchday and media moments becomes even more essential. The ball is now partly in their court: do they respond on the pitch, or via media?

The incident might also push refereeing/discipline narratives further into the spotlight. Given Aasgård’s red card and the disputed moments in the match, McGregor’s comments hint at an expectation of consistency and composure — which means referees, players and clubs all get drawn into the broader discussion.

Final Thoughts

McGregor’s press conference after the semi-final wasn’t explosive or confrontational in the classic sense — there were no headline-grabbing insults. But in the heat of an Old Firm clash, the dynamics of what is said, what is implied, and how it is framed become hugely important.

In choosing to emphasise how his side “came alive,” how the players were “really proud” and how big moments matter, McGregor both celebrated Celtic’s performance and sent a message: this is how you win the big game. The ripple effect? Rangers will feel it. Celtic will embrace it. And the rivalry grows richer for it.