Glasgow, May 22, 2025 – In a disturbing escalation of football rivalry, Celtic captain Callum McGregor was reportedly attacked by a group of Rangers fans outside a popular pub in Glasgow’s city center this evening. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the Scottish football community, underscores the intense emotions surrounding the Old Firm derby and raises serious concerns about fan behavior and player safety.
The altercation occurred outside The Merchant’s Arms, a well-known establishment frequented by football fans, around 7:30 PM. According to eyewitnesses, McGregor, 31, was leaving the pub after a low-key evening with friends when he was confronted by a group of individuals wearing Rangers colors. What began as verbal taunts quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. Sources report that McGregor was subjected to aggressive shoving and attempts to strike him, though he managed to avoid serious injury. Pub staff and bystanders intervened, and police were called to the scene, dispersing the group. No arrests have been confirmed at this time, but authorities are investigating and reviewing CCTV footage.
McGregor, a Celtic academy graduate and one of the club’s most decorated players, has been a central figure in the team’s dominance, leading them to 10 Scottish Premiership titles, six Scottish Cups, and eight League Cups. His role as captain since 2021 has made him a lightning rod for rival fans, particularly given his standout performances in Old Firm matches, including a long-range goal in Celtic’s 3-0 victory over Rangers in September 2024. His comments about Rangers’ inability to handle pressure have also fueled tensions, with some fans citing his 2023 post-match remarks as a point of contention.
This is not the first instance of Celtic players facing hostility from Rangers supporters. In 2022, a Rangers fan was convicted for abusing Celtic players, including McGregor, outside Ibrox Stadium. Similarly, incidents involving objects thrown at players, such as a bottle targeting Celtic’s Matt O’Riley in 2023, highlight a troubling pattern of aggression. The Scottish Football Association and both clubs have repeatedly called for calm, but the deep-seated rivalry continues to spill over into unacceptable behavior.
Celtic Football Club issued a statement condemning the attack, saying, “We are appalled by this cowardly act against our captain. The safety of our players is paramount, and we are cooperating fully with Police Scotland.” Rangers FC has yet to comment but is expected to condemn the incident. Fans on social media expressed outrage, with Celtic supporters rallying behind McGregor, while some Rangers fans distanced themselves from the perpetrators, calling their actions “disgraceful.”
Police Scotland urged witnesses to come forward, emphasizing that violence has no place in football. The incident has reignited debates about increasing security for players and revisiting away fan allocations, which McGregor himself advocated for earlier this year. As investigations continue, the football community hopes this serves as a wake-up call to address fan violence and ensure such incidents do not mar the sport’s legacy in Scotland.
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