Martin O’Neill has never been shy about his Celtic loyalties — and in a recent appearance, he made it crystal clear: managing Rangers was never an option.
When asked hypothetically whether he would have ever considered taking charge at Ibrox, O’Neill didn’t flinch.
> “Not a chance,” he said with a wry smile. “You don’t cross that line. Not me, I was never even tempted ”
O’Neill’s Celtic reign from 2000 to 2005 remains one of the most celebrated periods in the club’s modern history — from iconic European nights to domestic dominance. His connection with the Hoops faithful runs deep, and he’s often spoken about the pride he felt managing the club.
But this moment — a simple but passionate dismissal of Rangers — sparked a huge reaction online. Celtic fans hailed it as another reason why O’Neill is forever a club legend, while Rangers fans weren’t shy about calling it “bitter” or “obsessed.”
Still, it’s the kind of comment that fires up a rivalry — and adds fuel to one of the most passionate derbies in world football.
With Brendan Rodgers back in the Parkhead dugout and Rangers now under a new direction with Philippe Clement, the battle for Glasgow supremacy is alive and well. But O’Neill’s words are a reminder: for some, there are lines you just don’t cross.
