Rugby Park witnessed absolute chaos, controversy and an explosion of raw emotion as Kilmarnock FC boss Neil McCann delivered one of the most jaw-dropping post-match reactions of the season following a dramatic 2–3 thriller against Celtic FC.

What was supposed to be a statement afternoon for Kilmarnock spiralled into fury as McCann allegedly blasted a section of the Celtic support over what he described as a “disgraceful and embarrassing” chant that echoed around Rugby Park during the second half.

And if that wasn’t explosive enough, his now-viral line has set Scottish football on fire:

“WTF is that chant? No club will ever respect Celtic again if that’s what they’re about.”

Those words are already dominating headlines.

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From Dream Start to Total Meltdown

Kilmarnock had been electric early on. Two first-half goals had the home crowd believing they were about to pull off one of the shocks of the season. Celtic looked rattled. Frustrated. Vulnerable.

But football can turn in seconds.

As the second half unfolded, momentum shifted. Celtic pulled one back. Then another. And suddenly the atmosphere inside Rugby Park turned hostile, tense and deeply emotional.

It was during this period that chants from the away section intensified — mocking, provocative and, according to McCann, crossing a line.

Players on both sides looked fired up. Touchline confrontations followed. The fourth official was busy. The crowd noise was relentless.

And then came the killer blow: a late Celtic winner that silenced the home support and sparked wild celebrations in the away end.

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McCann’s Explosive Reaction

Moments after the final whistle, cameras caught McCann visibly raging near the dugout, gesturing toward the stands. Staff members appeared to guide him away as tempers flared.

In the press conference that followed, the gloves were off.

“We’re talking about respect in this league,” he said. “If that’s the standard of chanting, if that’s what you think represents your club, then don’t expect respect back.”

He refused to repeat the exact lyrics but made it clear he felt they were inappropriate.

Social media erupted instantly.

Clips of his comments have already racked up thousands of views, with fans split down the middle. Some praise him for “calling it out.” Others accuse him of deflecting from surrendering a winning position.

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Mind Games or Meltdown?

Critics were quick to point out that Kilmarnock had control of the match at 2–0. So what changed?

Did the atmosphere genuinely inspire Celtic’s comeback?

Or is this a case of a manager lashing out after letting three points slip through his fingers?

One former pundit described it as “a pressure reaction.” Another called it “the most honest post-match rant we’ve seen in years.”

Regardless of where you stand, the drama has intensified what was already a fierce rivalry.

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Celtic Fans Fire Back

Unsurprisingly, Celtic supporters have not taken the comments lightly.

Online responses range from mocking memes to outright fury. Many insist chanting is part of football culture. Others say the outrage is exaggerated.

One fan posted:

“Maybe defend better instead of blaming the songs.”

Another wrote:

“Respect is earned on the pitch, not in press conferences.”

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Fallout Incoming?

Will the league step in? Will Celtic respond officially? Or will this simmer until the next fiery encounter?

What’s certain is this: the next time Kilmarnock face Celtic, the noise will be louder than ever.

Because in Scottish football, passion is everything. But when that passion spills into public outrage, headlines follow.

And Neil McCann has just ensured this story isn’t going away anytime soon.