Andy Halliday’s Celtic ‘Scared’ Claim Exposes Spectacular Rangers Hypocrisy

Andy Halliday has declared that Celtic are “scared of Rangers.”

Yes, apparently two derby victories have transformed the entire balance of Scottish football and erased everything Halliday himself said about Rangers only weeks ago.

Speaking on Open Goal, the well-known Rangers supporter claimed Martin O’Neill’s team selection proved Celtic were frightened.

“Do you know what it told me? Celtic are scared of Rangers,” Halliday announced.

It is the kind of triumphant declaration that comes easily when the microphone is on and inconvenient context is discarded.

Halliday’s remarkable Rangers reversal

Celtic were dreadful in both derby defeats. O’Neill’s changes failed, the performances lacked aggression and Rangers deserved their victories.

That does not make Halliday’s sweeping conclusion any less ridiculous.

Celtic remain two points above Rangers at the top of the Premiership. The Ibrox club have also been eliminated from both the Europa League and Conference League, with their defeat against Jablonec described by Halliday as one of the worst results in Rangers’ recent history.

His assessment that night was brutal.

“Rangers had no style, no desire, no movement, no tackles, no shots, no control,” he said. “They offered absolutely nothing over 120 minutes.”

Halliday added that Rangers had produced “poor, poor performances” and said: “That wasn’t even football.”

Now, after two victories over an admittedly disjointed Celtic team, Halliday wants everyone to believe the same Rangers side has become an object of fear.

What changed: Rangers’ entire footballing identity—or Halliday’s mood?

Celtic supporters still await an answer

Halliday’s latest intervention also arrives while his previous comments about Celtic supporters remain unresolved.

After Celtic’s dramatic title victory over Hearts, Halliday told BBC Sportsound that listeners were “led to believe” Hearts players had been struck during the pitch invasion.

It was an extremely serious claim. Yet Hearts midfielder Cammy Devlin later said: “None of the players got hurt.” Police Scotland initially confirmed that Hearts had made no complaints regarding alleged assaults on their players.

Halliday was quick to amplify the allegation. Where was the equally prominent correction when the evidence failed to support the original impression?

Pundits who demand accountability from managers, players and supporters must accept it themselves.

Two victories do not rewrite everything

Halliday is entitled to criticise Celtic. There is plenty to criticise after three consecutive defeats and several confused performances.

However, analysis should involve more than riding the emotional wave of the latest result.

Rangers deserve credit for winning both derbies. They do not suddenly become a European force after being knocked out of two UEFA competitions. Celtic do not suddenly become frightened because O’Neill selected the wrong formation.

Halliday’s claim is not measured analysis. It is a Rangers supporter enjoying two victories and becoming spectacularly carried away.

Celtic remain above Rangers. The championship has not been awarded in September, and the same team Halliday recently described as offering “absolutely nothing” has not magically become terrifying.

Perhaps Halliday should remember his own words before producing his next grand declaration.

Key Takeaways

• Halliday claims Celtic’s defensive selection demonstrated fear of Rangers.
• He recently described Rangers as having “no style, no desire” after their European humiliation.
• Rangers have exited two European competitions and remain behind Celtic domestically.
• Halliday’s earlier allegation concerning Hearts players still deserves proper scrutiny.