Celtic captain Callum McGregor ignited a storm of controversy following the dramatic 2–2 draw with Hearts, launching a scathing verbal attack on Hearts midfielder Cláudio Braga in a post-match interview that quickly stole the spotlight from the football itself.
The incident unfolded moments after the final whistle, when TV cameras appeared to show Braga walking straight past McGregor and ignoring an outstretched handshake. What initially looked like a minor snub soon escalated into a full-blown war of words, with the Celtic skipper visibly furious as he addressed the media in the mixed zone.
McGregor, usually the model of composure, was clearly seething.
“I went to shake his hand because that’s what professionals do,” McGregor said. “He looks straight through me and walks away. That tells you everything about the mindset.”
In one of the most confrontational interviews of his career, the Celtic captain accused Braga of disrespect, obsession, and misplaced arrogance.
“He’s far too obsessed with Celtic,” McGregor continued. “Some players come here and it becomes the biggest day of their lives. They forget where they are in the game. I’ve been doing this at the highest level for years.”
But it was McGregor’s next remark that truly set Scottish football alight.
“With that attitude, he can never reach my level. Never,” he said bluntly. “Respect is part of being a top player. If you don’t have that, you fall short. Simple as that.”
The comments sent shockwaves through post-match coverage, dividing pundits and fans alike. Some praised McGregor for standing up for professional standards, while others felt he had let emotions boil over after a frustrating result.
On the pitch, Celtic briefly took the lead twice, only for Hearts to respond on both occasions in a fiercely contested match packed with late challenges, flashpoints, and relentless intensity. By full time, tensions were already simmering—and the handshake snub proved to be the final spark.
McGregor admitted the draw added to the emotion but insisted his reaction was about principles, not frustration.
“People will say it’s because of the result, but it’s not,” he explained. “You win, lose or draw, you show respect. That’s how I was brought up in this game. I won’t apologise for calling that out.”
Asked directly about Braga, McGregor doubled down.
“He’s a good player, but there’s a difference between being passionate and being disrespectful,” he added. “If you’re more focused on making a statement against Celtic than on your own career, that tells its own story.”
Hearts declined to make Braga available for comment, with sources close to the club suggesting the midfielder felt no obligation to engage after such a physically demanding and emotionally charged match. Braga has yet to respond publicly.
Reaction on social media was swift and divided. Celtic supporters largely backed their captain, praising his willingness to defend the club’s values. Hearts fans accused McGregor of arrogance, arguing he crossed the line by personalising the incident.
Former players and pundits were similarly split—some hailing McGregor’s stance as true captaincy, others warning that such public criticism could inflame tensions further.
Despite the fallout, McGregor insisted his focus would return quickly to football.
“I’ve said my piece,” he concluded. “What matters is Celtic moving forward. But respect in this game still matters, and I’ll always stand for that.”
Whether the incident fades away or fuels future clashes between Celtic and Hearts remains to be seen. One thing is certain: a missed handshake has become one of the most talked-about moments of the season—and McGregor’s words won’t be forgotten anytime soon.