Scott Brown was the special guest at the talksSPORT studio, but it was Ally McCoist who was caught off guard by their colleague Jim White. The former Celtic captain and current Ayr United manager joined McCoist and Andy Townsend live from Ayr Racecourse ahead of the Scottish Grand National. The conversation naturally turned to Celtic and Rangers and this season’s title race.
During the Q&A segment, White surprised Brown with a pre-recorded question about McCoist’s infamous touchline altercation with Neil Lennon after a 2011 Scottish Cup replay. The heated clash at Parkhead led to a Government summit chaired by then First Minister Alex Salmond, after both managers and their coaching staff got involved in a physical confrontation.
White’s question prompted laughter from McCoist, who was unaware of the setup. Brown admitted he enjoyed the diversion from the spotlight and joked about the incident, while McCoist recalled that they had reconciled over a beer after the altercation.
Reflecting on the intensity of Old Firm games, Brown emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and friendship off the field. He shared a story about traveling with his Rangers-supporting friends after a match, highlighting the bond they had formed since childhood.
Regarding the current title race, Brown favored Celtic following Rangers’ recent results. He credited Celtic’s improved form to the return of key players like Callum McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Reo Hatate. He praised Carter-Vickers as a standout defender and highlighted the impact of McGregor and Hatate in maintaining the team’s momentum.
Overall, Brown’s insights offered a unique perspective on the fierce rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, as well as the camaraderie that can exist between players and fans across the divide.
