Callum McGregor: Ex-Fifa official hits back at Kris Boyd’s controversial Celtic-Rangers comments
Keith Hackett has hit back at Kris Boyd’s controversial comments about Callum McGregor following Rangers’ 3-0 defeat to Celtic in the Old Firm derby last Wednesday (2 February).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee suggested Boyd think about whether he would be happy if somebody said the same thing about Rangers player.
The ex-Gers striker wrote in the Sun last Friday (4 February) questioned why no Rangers player “tested” McGregor’s facemask throughout the game.
The Hoops captain had to wear the protective facemask after suffering two fractured cheekbones in the Scottish FA Cup victory over Alloa Athletic but was back playing just 11 days later.
Celtic tweeted last Thursday they had launched an investigation into Boyd’s comments about their player.
The 38-year-old clarified his comments insisting he did not want anybody to hurt McGregor but simply “get close” to him.
“I don’t think those comments are helpful to the game of football,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Yes, we like power and fair play.
“Just go the other side of the fence and it’s one of your players. There is responsibility in the game to ensure the game is played in fair and equitable manner.
“I don’t think that type of comment helps the process of a player who is trying to recuperate and play football.”
After both sides convincing wins at the weekend, Celtic remain a point clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
The next Glasgow derby is scheduled for 3 April at Ibrox.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has dropped a ‘gigantic’ Celtic and Rangers verdict as a £25million-a-year Sky deal is analysed.