“I didn’t realise it was Ibrox”: Mulgrew responds to boos during sixes event

Charlie Mulgrew could not resist taking a playful swipe at the crowd after Celtic began their Tennent’s Sixes campaign with a convincing 5-2 victory over Kilmarnock.

The former Celtic defender was subjected to a hostile reception throughout the match, with sections of the crowd making their feelings known whenever he got involved in the action at Braehead Arena.

Mulgrew appeared to embrace rather than be affected by the reaction, and the atmosphere seemed to give the Celtic side an extra reason to enjoy themselves.

Even before the match had properly got underway, Celtic’s traditional pre-match huddle was met with loud jeers from parts of the crowd.

Instead of allowing the response to frustrate them, Mulgrew and his teammates decided to use it to their advantage and deliberately played up to the supporters.

After Celtic’s comfortable win, Mulgrew was asked about the reception and delivered a typically tongue-in-cheek response.

He joked that he had initially been unsure where he was because of the hostile atmosphere, quipping that he “didn’t realise it was Ibrox we were in.”

The former Scotland international explained that the Celtic players had deliberately performed their pre-match huddle in front of the crowd partly to stir things up.

He said they wanted to wind the supporters up, increase the atmosphere and get the fans involved before the match began.

13th September 2026; Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Ex Celtic players Charlie Mulgrew and Scott Brown

Mulgrew then added another humorous comment, suggesting that the Celtic supporters must have been about to arrive.

The remarks reflected the light-hearted approach taken by the Celtic veterans, who appeared determined to enjoy the occasion regardless of the reaction from sections of the crowd.

Once the match started, the noise from the stands did little to affect Tom Boyd’s side.

Celtic quickly settled into the contest and produced an impressive display to defeat Kilmarnock 5-2.

The result gave them the ideal opening to their Group C campaign and provided an entertaining start to their involvement in the revived six-a-side tournament.

For Mulgrew personally, the successful result was a welcome contrast to what had happened before kick-off.

His problems began before he had even stepped onto the pitch.

The former Celtic and Scotland player revealed that the sole of his football boot had already started coming away.

The boots, which he joked had cost just £12, were apparently already showing signs of giving up before the tournament had properly begun.

Mulgrew joked about the situation and suggested that he might have to find a nearby shop and purchase another pair before continuing.

He admitted that the damaged footwear was “not a great start” to his Sixes experience.

Nevertheless, neither the boot problem nor the reaction from the crowd stopped him from contributing to Celtic’s impressive performance.

The team eventually secured a five-goal haul and conceded only twice, ensuring that they began their group campaign with three points.

The tournament itself represents the return of the Tennent’s Sixes, which is taking place at Braehead Arena over the course of Saturday and Sunday.

All 12 Scottish Premiership clubs have been represented at the event, with each team made up of former players associated with their respective clubs.

That has brought together a collection of familiar names from Scottish football and created an opportunity for supporters to see former stars back in competitive action.

Celtic’s place in Group C means they will face three familiar opponents during the group stage.

Alongside Kilmarnock, they have been drawn against St Mirren and Rangers.

The presence of Rangers inevitably adds another layer of rivalry to the group, particularly given the reaction Mulgrew received during Celtic’s opening match.

Although the six-a-side tournament is intended to provide entertainment, the competitive edge between the clubs remains obvious.

The crowd’s response to Mulgrew demonstrated that old rivalries have not disappeared simply because the players have moved into retirement or returned to play in an exhibition-style competition.

For Celtic, however, the priority was making a strong start, and they achieved exactly that.

Boyd’s team responded to the atmosphere on the pitch rather than allowing it to become a distraction.

Their 5-2 victory leaves them in a positive position as they prepare for the remainder of their group fixtures.

Mulgrew’s comments after the match also ensured that the occasion produced plenty of talking points away from the action itself.

His “Ibrox” joke is likely to attract plenty of reaction from supporters on both sides, particularly given the intensity of the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers.

The former defender clearly enjoyed the opportunity to exchange some banter with the crowd and appeared more than happy to embrace the hostile reception.

For Celtic supporters, the most important takeaway will ultimately be the result.

Despite the jeers, the unusual footwear problem and the pressure of beginning the tournament strongly, Celtic delivered a convincing performance.

They now have St Mirren and Rangers still to come in Group C, meaning the tournament is set up for further competitive encounters.

With former Premiership stars representing all 12 clubs, the revived Tennent’s Sixes has already produced the kind of atmosphere organisers will have hoped for.

And after Celtic’s opening win, Mulgrew has made it clear that he is more than willing to play his part in the banter as well as the football.

The crowd may have tried to unsettle him, but Celtic responded with goals, a victory and a little bit of their own humour.

For Mulgrew, it was perhaps the perfect answer to the boos.