NafisaCeltic have given their supporters another reason to celebrate after producing a devastating performance against Hearts, with Martin O’Neill’s men sending out a serious warning to their Scottish Premiership rivals at Celtic Park.
The Hoops were in ruthless form on Sunday, overwhelming the Edinburgh side in a result that strengthened their position in the title race. After suffering disappointment in Europe against Benfica, Celtic responded emphatically, delivering a performance that will leave their domestic rivals looking nervously over their shoulders.
For Rangers, the result was particularly frustrating given what had happened in their own match. Derek McInnes’ side had failed to take full advantage of an opportunity to put pressure on their Glasgow rivals, leaving Celtic with the chance to increase the gap at the summit.
And amid the celebrations at Parkhead, Celtic captain Callum McGregor appeared to have a little extra message for those watching across the city.
The midfielder’s apparent dig has the potential to irritate Rangers supporters, particularly given the timing and the circumstances surrounding Celtic’s emphatic victory.
McGregor’s cheeky message to Rangers
Following Celtic’s remarkable 7-1 demolition of Hearts, McGregor was spotted looking towards the camera and saying “Top of the Table.”
The brief moment appeared to underline Celtic’s position at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, with the Hoops captain seemingly keen to celebrate not just the seven-goal performance but also his side’s standing in the title race.
For Rangers supporters, the timing could hardly have been more irritating.
McInnes’ team had drawn 2-2 away to Dundee after letting a promising position slip, missing the opportunity to move above Celtic. The Gers had taken the lead through Badredine Bouanani and Nico Raskin, but Callum Jones punished a costly error by Dan Neil to earn Dundee a point.
Celtic subsequently made their rivals pay for dropping points, producing a seven-goal performance that put them four points clear at the top.
McGregor’s apparent message therefore arrived at precisely the moment Rangers supporters would have preferred to keep their attention on their own team’s response rather than Celtic’s celebrations.
Celtic deliver a brutal statement at Parkhead
The scale of Celtic’s victory made the afternoon even more painful for their rivals.
O’Neill’s side came flying out of the blocks, with Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren taking advantage of Mika Baur’s deliveries from corners to give the hosts an early advantage.
Nygren added another before Callum Osmand also got in on the action, while a Jamie McCart own goal contributed to Hearts’ nightmare first half. Celtic went into the break 5-1 ahead before continuing their scoring spree after the interval.
Camilo Duran and Nygren completed the rout as Celtic turned an already emphatic victory into a result that will be remembered for its sheer scale.
It was also an important response after their European defeat to Benfica, with Celtic demonstrating that their attacking threat remains formidable when everything clicks.
For Rangers, the problem is that their rivals have combined a commanding result with a growing advantage in the standings.
Rangers handed another reason to worry
The title race remains far from over, and Rangers have already shown they can compete with Celtic after beating them twice last month.
However, the latest round of fixtures has shifted the immediate pressure towards Ibrox. Rangers had an opportunity to capitalise on Celtic’s position before the weekend, but their draw against Dundee left the door open.
Celtic did not merely walk through it. They produced a seven-goal demolition and moved four points clear.
That makes McGregor’s apparent “Top of the Table” comment particularly pointed. Whether intended as a direct dig at Rangers or simply a celebration of Celtic’s position, the moment is likely to attract attention because of the rivalry and the timing.
McGregor knows the significance of Celtic finishing above Rangers, and the Hoops captain will be well aware that even a brief camera-facing remark can quickly become a talking point among supporters.
For the Ibrox faithful, the most effective response will be to close the gap on the pitch. Until then, Celtic have the bragging rights after a weekend in which their captain appeared to make sure everyone knew exactly where his team stood.
Celtic are top, Rangers are chasing, and McGregor’s apparent message has added another layer of spice to an already fierce title battle.
Nafisa
