Conor McGregor Faces Police Federation Rebuke Over Proposed Celtic-Rangers Fight Night

Conor McGregor has drawn a sharp rebuke from Scottish police representatives after suggesting that Celtic and Rangers supporters could face each other in a bare-knuckle fighting event. The proposal came after a fighting card at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, where McGregor was in attendance as a co-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Speaking after the event, McGregor floated the idea of a Celtic-versus-Rangers contest and said he would look into possible names. His comments followed a bout in which Sean Weir, a former member of the Rangers Riot Crew, defeated Leigh Cohoon in the opening round to claim the British light heavyweight title. The event was followed by disorder outside the venue. Police Scotland said two men, aged 32 and 27, had been arrested and charged with offences including assault, obstructing police, and threatening and abusive behaviour. Three officers were hurt while responding, with two receiving medical treatment. More than 20 police vehicles and a helicopter attended the scene, according to the report. David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, condemned McGregor’s suggestion. He described the violence outside the Hydro as disgraceful and called the idea of a Celtic-Rangers bare-knuckle bout irresponsible and potentially provocative. Kennedy argued that turning a historic rivalry into a commercial fighting spectacle could worsen tensions and expose police to further violence. Former police chief Martin Gallagher also said he was appalled by the prospect, the source reported. His criticism came amid renewed attention on the risks of promoting a fight linked to the two clubs’ longstanding rivalry. McGregor’s comments have therefore been met not only with interest in a possible event, but with warnings from those concerned about public safety and football-related violence.