Ally McCoist has Celtic fan quip ready amid hate crime law row as Rangers hero quizzed on skipping derby
Rangers hero Ally McCoist has laughed off a claim that even Celtic fans love him after the ferocious backlash to his comments on the new hate crime act which has come into effect in Scotland.
The bill was passed by MSPs back in 2021 but was rubber-stamped earlier this week in a bid to combat abuse which "stirs up hatred" surrounding age, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity and disability. But with Philippe Clement's side set to face Celtic on Sunday, McCoist came out against the introduction of the law in Scotland - describing it as "madness" and guaranteed that both he and his fellow Rangers supporters would breach it at the game.
The former Light Blues boss and striker has since revealed he won't be at the match - but his statement has sparked widespread criticism from politicians and Celtic legend and Record Sport columnist Chris Sutton. However, McCoist hinted that the reason he would not be in Govan for the top of the table clash was not because of the storm surrounding his comments.
Asked by Alan Brazil on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show if he was flying back to Glasgow for the game, McCoist said: "All I am prepared to say at this stage is that I won't be at the game. I can guarantee I will be watching it. It's a poor performance from me, but the only reason I won't be there is because I will be watching it elsewhere."
Dean Saunders then chimed in: "I go to Scotland quite a lot, and I played golf with a Celtic fan yesterday. He said 'see that Ally McCoist, what a legend. He stuck by that club' - you are the only man that everybody likes in Scotland."
McCoist couldn't resist a laugh as he alluded to the hate crime act fury. He replied: "Deano, if you had seen some of the messages I have received this week
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