‘Hurtful’ – Callum McGregor explains Celtic players’ actions during Aberdeen’s trophy lift 

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That was an unexpected end to the season for Celtic in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden on Saturday.

Callum McGregor was hoping to lead Celtic to another Treble, and all the signs suggested that it would happen.

Only ten days prior, Celtic had thrashed Aberdeen at Pittodrie for their Premiership encounter, on top of scoring fives and sixes against them this term, including at Hampden for the League Cup semi-final in November.

But the Bhoys were defeated on penalties by a resilient and much-improved Jimmy Thelin side, who won their first Scottish Cup in over 30 years, and deservedly so.

McGregor himself, alongside Alistair Johnston, missed their penalties after a rather poor showing over the course of the 120 minutes from the holders.

The Celtic captain is used to winning at the home of Scottish football, but this time, he and his teammates had to face the music from the other side.

• READ MORE: Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers shares what he told Callum McGregor after his Scottish Cup penalty miss

Callum McGregor on Celtic watching Aberdeen’s trophy lift

Win, lose or draw. You have to showcase your class, and the Celtic players did just that after they collected their runners-up medals.

Rather than heading back down into the changing rooms, the Celtic players stood and watched Aberdeen lift the trophy.

McGregor told PLZ Soccer that it was ‘hurtful’, but it’s something the team needed to do, so they can bottle it up and ‘never be in that position again’.

“Yeah, when have to stand and watch that, it’s where you want to be,” said McGregor. “We have been lucky that we haven’t had it too many times.

“When you see that, it’s so raw. It’s so hurtful. So, you have to use that as fuel when you come back, and try to never be in that position ever again.”

Brendan Rodgers’ incredible Scottish Cup record comes to an end

Over Rodgers’ two spells as Celtic manager, he has dominated the Scottish Cup, winning the big prize on three occasions.

That included Celtic’s triumph last season when Adam Idah scored a late winner against Rangers.

But all great things come to an end, as Rodgers’ record in the Scottish Cup now has a defeat to its name.