Conor McGregor has been slammed after calling for an Old Firm bare-knuckle boxing contest

Controversial mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor has faced criticism after proposing an Old Firm bare knuckle boxing match.

A major disturbance broke out on Glasgow's streets on Saturday night following an event attended by the 38-year-old at the city's OVO Hydro venue. The main bout before a capacity crowd saw Rangers supporter and former Ultra Sean Weir defeat Leigh Cohoon in the opening round to secure the British light heavyweight title.

But after the 34-year-old's triumph, violence erupted amongst some departing spectators. Three police officers were assaulted and two sustained injuries while attempting to restore order.

McGregor floated the idea of a bout between Weir and a Celtic-supporting bare knuckle fighter—potentially at Ibrox—during a post-fight press conference. McGregor is a co-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), who organised the contest and were staging their inaugural Scottish event.

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."

David Kennedy, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, strongly condemned the proposals for an Old Firm fight night,reports the Daily Record.

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 said he was horrified by the prospect of an Old Firm bare-knuckle bout. Martin, who retired at the rank of Superintendent and is now a security consultant, 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. "".

The violent disorder erupted as dozens of men clashed while supporters were leaving the Hydro arena. Police Scotland confirmed that two men, aged 32 and 27, were arrested and charged with a range of offences including assaulting police officers, obstructing police and threatening and abusive behaviour.

McGregor was pictured alongside Weir, who hails from Wishaw in Lanarkshire, following his victory in securing the UK light heavyweight belt. The Irishman previously held titles as Ultimate Fighting Championship Featherweight and Lightweight Champion, as well as Cage Warriors Fighting Championship Featherweight and Lightweight Champion.

In November 2024, an Irish High Court found in a civil case that McGregor had sexually assaulted a woman in 2018, ordering him to pay approximately 248,000 Euros in damages. First Minister John Swinney yesterday condemned the Saturday night violence, stating: "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, which manages the Ovo Hydro, commented: "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 spokesperson for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) said: "BKFC is aware of an incident outside the OVO Hydro following Saturday night's sold-out event. KFC 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."