Martin O'Neill brilliantly terrorises Kris Boyd & James McFadden in Celtic penalty disagreement

By John McGinley

March 21, 2021

Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill was on punditry duty for Sky Sports at Celtic Park today and didn’t mince his words when dealing with Kris Boyd and James McFadden.

One of the most contentious issues of the day was Willie Collum’s decision not to award the home side a penalty in the first half.

The referee reckoned Odsonne Edouard dived an attempt to win a spot-kick and showed him a ridiculous yellow card.

A goal at that stage would have put the Bhoys 2-0 ahead and potentially beyond sight in the fixture.

Celtic captain Scott Brown called the penalty claim a ‘stonewaller’ in his post-match interview, as we discussed earlier.

The issue was raised at half-time on Sky Sports (12:50), with O’Neill going toe-to-toe with Boyd.

Boyd was adamant the decision was correct, stating live on-air: “I think Willie Collum has refereed the game well, it’s not a penalty kick and it’s simulation, it’s a dive.”

Presented Eilidh Barbour questioned that assessment and O’Neill agreed with her, replying: “I’m in total agreement with you (Eilidh), if it’s a disagreement with Boyd. He’s so adamant it’s not a penalty it’s a dive, I accept the fact the referee is doing very well, he’s had a good game and he’s probably had a good look at it, but I’m in total disagreement and I am absolutely on your side, Eilidh.”

James McFadden also stated it was a dive, to which O’Neill brilliantly said: “James, in his very good days would’ve done that. In his very bad days, the last number of years of his career, he wouldn’t have done that.”

Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill / (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Ally McCoist would later quip as the broadcast returned to commentary: “Enjoyed the entertainment at half-time from Martin. Absolutely terrorising Faddy and Boydy.”

After the match, O’Neill would continue his verbal sparring with the panel, sticking up for Celtic, which you can watch on Sky Sports Twitter account.

The former Hoops boss shows up Boyd’s “blue collar” punditry and it’s worth a look!

In other news, Pat Bonner wants a new Celtic manager appointed as soon as possible.