Celtic have taken a sly dig at Graeme Souness following his perceived criticism of Callum McGregor, after the Celtic captain played a crucial role in setting up Scott McTominay’s opening goal against Switzerland.
In tonight’s second Euro 2024 match, Scotland briefly held the lead in the first half, thanks to McTominay’s deflected effort past Swiss goalkeeper Yan Sommer. McGregor displayed excellent composure in the box, laying the ball off to the Manchester United midfielder, who converted the chance.
The Hoops’ social media team wasted no time in backing their captain, quote tweeting the Scotland national team’s post and adding, “‘The Celtic Captain’ sets up the opener.” This remark was a pointed reference to Rangers legend Souness, who had referred to the 30-year-old simply as “The Celtic captain” while criticising his performance in Scotland’s 5-1 defeat to Germany on Friday night.
Souness, speaking live on ITV, had said: “Gundogan, again, great turn, he slips Havertz in, back to Musiala, wrong foots the Celtic captain yet again, that’s two in the same move. He tries to nick it here, Callum McGregor, and he gets back in, he tries to nick it again – just stay goalside and stop the effort on your goal.”
Some fans interpreted Souness’s failure to use McGregor’s name as a slight. However, the pundit clarified his comments this week on talkSPORT. He explained:
“I can answer that, I couldn’t remember his name. But I knew he was captain of Celtic. I was critical of him because if you remember the build up to the goal, he tried to nick it off [Ilkay] Gundogan and Gundogan turned him.
“He should have just been goal side trying to get a challenge in, but he tried to step in front and nick it. Further on in the same attack which led to the goal, he’s tried to nick it off Jamal Musiala again. So twice he’s tried to nick it instead of just being strong in the challenge and that would’ve prevented us conceding that goal.
“I have to say, that question can only arise in the west of Scotland. I forgot his name, I couldn’t remember his name but I knew he was a good little football player and if it’s been taken as a slant or criticism, I didn’t mean it. I genuinely forgot his name.”
McGregor admitted that he took the criticism personally, saying: “Yes, you do. I think if anyone has a pop at you, you take it personally and you try to prove them wrong. So, yeah.”
This back-and-forth highlights the passion and pride surrounding Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign, especially as key players like McGregor seek to lead their nation to success while navigating public and pundit scrutiny.