Ally McCoist Clarifies Celtic Remark as Debate Continues
Ally McCoist has attempted to tone down the impact of his recent comments about Celtic, though the reaction they sparked was always likely.
The former Rangers striker caused a stir last week when he suggested Celtic were “running the show,” referencing post-split fixtures that see the Hoops host Hearts on the final day of the season.
It didn’t take long for criticism to follow, with Martin O’Neill among those who rejected the suggestion and questioned the basis of the claim.
McCoist has since explained that his remarks were not entirely serious, hinting that part of the exchange was light-hearted banter—particularly during a discussion with Alan Brazil.
Speaking to Glasgow World, McCoist responded to the backlash with humour, noting that criticism from Celtic supporters has been a constant throughout his career. He admitted there was an element of winding people up, but also accepted that fixture scheduling is rarely perfect.
He pointed out that complications affect multiple clubs, not just Celtic. For example, Rangers are set to face Falkirk on the final day, with Falkirk potentially preparing for a Scottish Cup final at the same time. That situation could influence team selection and add another layer of complexity.
McCoist stressed that such scenarios are not purely down to the league split, but rather a combination of factors including cup progress and scheduling limitations. He also highlighted the imbalance in fixtures, with Celtic playing four of their final six matches at home, while Rangers have four away.
Another consideration, he suggested, is policing. A potential title-deciding clash between Celtic and Rangers late in the season is something authorities may prefer to avoid, which can influence how fixtures are arranged.
Despite his explanation, the original comment continues to generate discussion. Post-split fixtures have long been a talking point in Scottish football, and this season is no exception. However, when previous meetings and logistical constraints are taken into account, the final schedule appears less controversial than first suggested.
Ultimately, comments about one club “running things,” even in jest, tend to fuel debate without much substance. The real focus remains on the title race itself.
From a neutral perspective, the competition has been gripping. Inside Celtic, however, it has been far from comfortable. The team recently secured a narrow 1-0 win over St Mirren in a tense encounter.
There is now little margin for error. While league action pauses briefly, attention quickly shifts to the next challenge. Celtic are set to face St Mirren again at Hampden Park on April 19.
After making things difficult in their last meeting, the Paisley side will be confident of causing more problems on a bigger stage. Celtic, meanwhile, will know exactly what to expect as the pressure continues to build.