Celtic captain Callum McGregor aimed a cheeky dig at rangers fans during an interview after being nominated in PFA award
On April 26, 2025, Celtic clinched their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title with a resounding victory over Dundee United, prompting captain Callum McGregor to make a comment widely interpreted as a cheeky dig at rivals Rangers. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, McGregor said, “Some teams talk about catching up, but we just keep raising the bar. It’s about consistency, not promises.” Fans on X and across Celtic’s fanbase erupted, convinced the remark was a deliberate jab at Rangers, who, despite a mid-season resurgence under manager Barry Ferguson, fell short in the title race. The sentiment among supporters, reflected in posts like “McGregor’s at it again, rinsing Rangers!” suggests they believe he meant every word.
McGregor’s comment came in the context of Rangers’ highly publicized but ultimately faltering campaign. After a 2-1 defeat to Motherwell in March, Celtic’s social media team posted a grinning McGregor, a move fans saw as trolling Rangers’ collapse. His latest remark reinforced this narrative, with supporters pointing to his history of subtle barbs. In 2019, McGregor implied Celtic handled pressure better than Rangers, citing their composure in high-stakes matches. His leadership style—calm yet fiercely competitive—lends weight to the perception that he relishes these moments to assert Celtic’s dominance.
Rangers’ challenges, including a 3-0 Old Firm thrashing in September 2024 where McGregor scored a long-range stunner, underscored Celtic’s superiority. Despite talk of a potential American-backed takeover fueling Rangers’ ambitions, McGregor’s words dismissed their threat, emphasizing Celtic’s relentless standards. Posts on X, such as one from
@Record_Sport
on April 24, 2025, quoted him saying, “It probably won’t matter what anyone else does,” highlighting his confidence in Celtic’s ability to “accelerate” past rivals. Fans interpreted this as a direct response to Rangers’ hype, with many praising his knack for delivering cutting remarks with a smile.
Some argue McGregor’s comment was less about Rangers and more about Celtic’s internal drive. His 23 major trophies and role as the “glue” of Brendan Rodgers’ squad, as described by BBC Sport, show his focus on sustained excellence. Yet, the timing—post-title confirmation—and the rivalry’s intensity make the Rangers-targeted interpretation compelling. Celtic’s unbeaten domestic run and Champions League knockout stage berth contrasted sharply with Rangers’ inconsistency, amplifying the sting of McGregor’s words.
The fan reaction underscores McGregor’s status as a Celtic icon who embodies their defiance. Whether intentional or not, his comment tapped into the Old Firm rivalry’s raw emotion, with supporters relishing the perceived shade. As Celtic eye a potential Treble, McGregor’s leadership and knack for a well-timed quip keep him at the heart of their narrative. For now, fans are certain: when “Calmac” speaks, Rangers listen—and he knows it.
