Andy Gray couldn’t resist mocking Richard Keys live on beIN Sports for his fickle remarks about Rangers and Celtic.
The former Rangers forward, known for his fiery on-air exchanges with Keys, seemed to relish the opportunity to have the last laugh.
During a segment discussing Rangers ahead of their Scottish Premiership match against Ross County on Sunday (8 December), the conversation veered towards Keys’ past allegiances to the Glasgow clubs. Live on beIN Sports (7 December, 12:41pm), Gray exposed Keys’ inconsistent loyalty.
Keys confessed: “When [Gordon] Strachan took over at Celtic, I had to become a Celtic fan.”
Gray, quick to respond, hit back: “So then when Strach left, when Strach left, he said to me, ‘I’m back with Rangers now.’ I said we don’t want you, we’re not having you back.”
For any self-respecting football fan, Keys’ comments are almost sacrilegious, particularly in the fiercely divided world of Rangers and Celtic supporters.
The idea of switching allegiances between the two Glaswegian giants is unimaginable for most, given the deeply rooted rivalry that extends far beyond football.
While it’s true Celtic have dominated the Scottish Premiership this season, outclassing Rangers both on and off the pitch, no genuine fan would entertain the thought of crossing the city’s divide.
Keys’ remarks, however lighthearted, miss the mark and trivialise the emotional connection fans have with their clubs.
The Rangers faithful, despite enduring a tough season, remain steadfastly loyal. The bond between a supporter and their team transcends poor form, making Keys’ flippant comments all the more jarring.
While Rangers’ title challenge is all but over, the club’s recent 4-1 victory over Nice in the Europa League has provided a glimmer of positivity. Philippe Clement has positioned the Gers well for progression in Europe, and the unwavering support at Ibrox continues to inspire.
Rangers’ fanbase has proven that loyalty is priceless, even amid a season of struggles. As Gray pointed out, the idea of welcoming Keys back into the fold is laughable. “We’re not having you back,” he joked—but in reality, no Rangers fan would ever extend that invitation.
