Conor McGregor has been criticised for suggesting a Celtic versus Rangers bare-knuckle boxing contest after violent scenes outside the OVO Hydro in Glasgow left two police officers injured.
McGregor, a co-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), made the remarks at a post-fight press conference following an event at the venue on Saturday night. The headline bout saw Rangers fan and former Ultra Sean Weir defeat Leigh Cohoon in the first round to claim the British light heavyweight title.
After the 34-year-old's victory, street fights broke out among departing fans. Three police officers were attacked, with two injured as they tried to control the disorder.
McGregor's Old Firm fight proposal
An emotional McGregor raised the prospect of a fight between Weir and a Celtic supporting bare-knuckle boxer, possibly at Ibrox. He said he had been left stunned by Weir's performance and the electric Hydro atmosphere.
McGregor added: "Tonight is the night of the Scots. Tonight of Rangers, maybe. I don't know what's the situation with Celtic. Who can fight Sean Weir? We can make it a Celtic versus Rangers. Okay we want Ibrox and Ibrox wants us and this crowd. Leave that with me in the next day or two and I will have some names for you."
Police and political reaction
David Kennedy, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, slammed the plans. He said: "The scenes witnessed outside the Hydro on Saturday night were utterly disgraceful. Police officers were subjected to violence simply for doing their jobs, and that is completely unacceptable.
"Against that backdrop, the suggestion from Conor McGregor of promoting a ‘Celtic versus Rangers’ bare-knuckle boxing contest is, at best, irresponsible and, at worst, dangerously provocative.
"Glasgow has spent decades dealing with the consequences of football-related violence and sectarian tensions. The very last thing this city, or Scotland, needs is someone with considerable public profile seeking to turn those historic rivalries into a commercial spectacle built around fighting. Our police officers should not have to face violence because others see confrontation as entertainment."
Former police chief Martin Gallagher, who retired at the rank of Superintendent and is now a security consultant, said he was horrified by the prospect. He said: "The scenes outside the Hydro at the weekend show that the last thing Glasgow needs is bare knuckle fighting.
"Throw into the mix the sectarian tensions that bubble below the surface, and in recent years have been spilling over at Celtic and Rangers fixtures, you do not need to own a crystal ball to know the trouble that will arrive with any Celtic/Rangers 'fight'. Such a billed event will attract to Glasgow the worst individual's society has to offer.
"There will be chaos for the city and carnage for the cops. I have no doubt that whatever bout took place in the arena would thereafter be refought a hundredfold on the streets. Is that really what we want in 21st century Scotland?"
Scottish Labour Shadow Justice Secretary Pauline McNeill said: "The violence witnessed in Glasgow over the weekend was completely unacceptable, and those involved should be ashamed of bringing this trouble to our city. Hardworking police officers should be supported to carry out their jobs and keep communities safe."
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Stephen Kerr MSP said: "Glasgow has witnessed far too much violence and disorder over the years, and the last thing we need is high-profile figures wading in with remarks like this. The perpetrators behind these attacks on police officers must be hunted down, prosecuted and face the full force of the law."
Arrests and response
The violent scenes came after dozens of men began brawling as fans left the Hydro venue. Police Scotland said two men aged 32 and 27 were arrested and charged with offences including police assault, obstructing police and threatening and abusive behaviour.
McGregor posed with Weir, who is from Wishaw in Lanarkshire, after he lifted the UK light heavyweight belt. The Irishman is a former Ultimate Fighting Championship Featherweight and Lightweight Champion and former Cage Warriors Fighting Championship Featherweight and Lightweight Champion.
In November 2024, an Irish High Court ruled in a civil case that McGregor had sexually assaulted a woman in 2018, ordering him to pay around 248,000 Euros damages.
First Minister John Swinney condemned the Saturday night violence. He said: "There is absolutely no place for violence on the streets of Scotland, on any occasion, and the events at the weekend outside the Hydro were completely and utterly unacceptable."
A spokesperson for the SEC, who manage the OVO Hydro, said: "Saturday's event was attended by around 9,000 people and was delivered safely within the venue, following extensive planning with the promoter, Police Scotland and other relevant parties. We are aware of a number of incidents outside the venue after the event and we are supporting Police Scotland with their enquiries."
A Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) spokesperson added: "BKFC is aware of an incident outside the OVO Hydro following Saturday night’s sold-out event. BKFC strongly condemns these scenes and will continue to work closely with Police Scotland and our venue partners on the safety and security for future events in Scotland."
