admin“No excuses”- Martin O’Neill accuses Rangers of making ‘excuses’ as Celtic boss delivers two point response to Ibrox rage
Martin O’Neill Hits Back at Rangers’ “Excuses” After Old Firm Drama
By Michael Gannon, reporting from Denmark
Martin O’Neill has accused Rangers of making excuses following Sunday’s fiery Old Firm encounter — though the Celtic caretaker boss admits Auston Trusty was “a lucky Bhoy” to stay on the pitch.
Rangers were left furious with referee Nick Walsh and the VAR team at Hampden, claiming Trusty should have been sent off for allegedly kicking out at goalkeeper Jack Butland. The Ibrox side were further angered after Tony Ralston was penalised for handball — a decision O’Neill insists was never a penalty.
The controversy has dominated headlines all week, casting a shadow over both sides’ preparations for their upcoming Europa League clash against Midtjylland in Denmark.
Speaking ahead of the tie, O’Neill said:
“I’m delighted to be here. And if you told me I’d get one more win over Rangers — well, that’s the best news in the world.
Whatever excuses they want to make, here’s how I see it:
I don’t think it was a penalty, and I think Trusty was lucky to stay on the field. That’s it.”
Despite the heated fallout, O’Neill was full of admiration for the fixture itself, calling it “one of the great rivalries in European football — if not the world.”
He added:
“We won the game, but looking back, you always see things you missed. We created some great chances, and to be fair, Rangers did well with 10 men in the second half.”
O’Neill’s Future Uncertain Amid Celtic’s Manager Search
The 73-year-old has enjoyed an unbeaten start since stepping in as caretaker, leading to growing calls for him to stay on longer. However, with Celtic still searching for a permanent manager, Craig Bellamy has downplayed speculation linking him with the job.
O’Neill confirmed he has not spoken to the board about his future.
“No, I haven’t,” he said. “I know results dictate everything.
If we’d lost to Rangers, I think the search for a new manager would have intensified. But a good result gives everyone a bit of breathing space.
With the international break coming up soon, the board have time to continue their search. I’ve not been involved in those discussions.”
“Still Got It” — O’Neill on Passion and Pressure
O’Neill admitted he still feels the same nervous excitement for football that’s driven him throughout his career.
“I’m big-headed enough to think I’ve always had an impact — even when maybe I didn’t!” he joked.
“Honestly, if anyone had stuck a heart monitor on me during the match, the doctor would’ve banned me from the touchline. But that feeling doesn’t go away. It’s good to know you still care that much.”
Realistic About the Demands
While O’Neill has made an instant impact, he knows the Celtic job is demanding — especially with a relentless schedule stretching into February.
“It’s tough,” he said. “There’s barely a break between games — every weekend and midweek is packed. That’s challenging even for younger managers.
I think the board will take all of that into consideration. If you don’t win matches, their decision is easy. Even if you do, they may still prefer a younger man to take it on.”
Bellamy Distances Himself from Celtic Links
Wales manager Craig Bellamy, once a fan favourite at Celtic Park during his loan spell, is among the favourites for the permanent role — but he’s made it clear he’s not interested right now.
“I understand the links — I played there, and I’m coaching now,” Bellamy said.
“But honestly, I love what I’m doing at the moment. We’ve got a playoff coming up in March, and that’s where my full focus is.
It’s not on my radar, and it won’t be.”
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