CELTIC ADDRESS BOYD CALMAC COMMENTS

CELTIC are addressing controversial comments from Kris Boyd concerning Callum McGregor following the Hoops’ 3-0 midweek win in the Glasgow derby.

It has been suggested the Parkhead club have been inundated with complaints after the former Ibrox striker admitted his surprise no Ibrox players “tested” their club captain who was forced to wear a protective mask following his broken cheekbone sustained in the Scottish Cup-tie against Alloa.

McGregor had to be helped off 11 days previously following a brutal challenge that saw him removed before the interval.

The 28-year-old Scotland international anchorman had to sit out the games against Hearts and Dundee United – both resulting in single-goal victories for Ange Postecoglou’s men – but made a dramatic and surprise return against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s visitors.

Boyd, now a media pundit, paid tribute to McGregor’s spirit, but added: “The fact he managed to get through the 90 minutes without anyone testing out that face mask is another story.”

Celtic believe the remark is suspect and encouraged opponents to put their captain’s safety in jeopardy.

A club statement read: “With regards to comments made by former professional footballer Kris Boyd concerning Callum McGregor’s injury, we can confirm that the matter is currently being addressed by the club.”

Under-fire Boyd explained: “Some have taken that line to mean I wanted one of the Rangers players to intentionally try and hurt the midfielder.

“However, that is absolutely and unequivocally NOT the case.

“It was simply meant as a criticism of the Rangers players for their failure to get close to McGregor.”

There will be more to develop in this matter with the Parkhead club unconvinced by Boyd’s reply.