“YOU SCORE YOUR FIRST GOAL IN YOUR LOAN CLUB AND WENT WILD – PATHETIC MENTALITY” – Falkirk Boss John McGlynn Slams Celtic Goalscorer Over Celebration
Celtic’s 2–0 win over Falkirk at Celtic Park should have been a straightforward story of control, composure, and three points secured at home. Goals from Tomáš Čvančara in the 39th minute and B. Nygren in the 62nd sealed the result for the hosts, but the post-match discussion quickly shifted away from the football and onto a fiery reaction from Falkirk manager John McGlynn.
McGlynn refused to offer congratulations to Celtic after the final whistle, instead focusing his frustration on what he described as an “over-the-top and disrespectful” celebration from Čvančara, who is currently on loan and scoring his first goal for the club.
Speaking after the match, the Falkirk boss did not mince his words.
“You score your first goal in your loan club and you go wild like that? That’s a pathetic mentality,” McGlynn said. “There are ways to celebrate goals. What we saw today crossed the line for me.”
The incident occurred immediately after Čvančara opened the scoring late in the first half. After finishing calmly inside the box, the striker sprinted toward the corner flag and celebrated in an animated fashion in front of the away section, which McGlynn believes provoked unnecessary tension inside the stadium.
“It was not needed,” he continued. “You are on loan, you are trying to impress, we understand that. But you don’t disrespect the opposition or the spirit of the game in the process.”
McGlynn went a step further, calling on the SPFL to review the incident.
“I can’t congratulate Celtic until the league looks into that celebration. Football has emotions, yes, but there must be standards. That didn’t sit right with me at all.”
Celtic, for their part, appeared unfazed. Brendan Rodgers’ side (or the current interim setup) maintained focus throughout the game, controlling possession and limiting Falkirk’s chances. Nygren’s second-half goal effectively ended the contest and ensured there would be no late drama.
Čvančara did not address the celebration in his own post-match comments, while Celtic staff declined to respond directly to McGlynn’s criticism.
Fans inside Celtic Park, however, were divided. Some saw the celebration as pure passion from a player eager to make his mark, while others acknowledged it may have been slightly excessive given the context of the match.
What should have been a routine home victory has now sparked a debate over player conduct, celebrations, and respect on the pitch. Whether the SPFL will act on McGlynn’s complaint remains uncertain, but his comments have already added an unexpected edge to an otherwise calm evening in Glasgow.
