The Blues performed a huddle before their defeat to Newcastle United which has sparked debate
08:36, 16 Mar 2026
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The Rangers players celebrate lifting the title at Celtic Park with a mock 'Huddle' in May 1999(Image: Daily Record)
Ally McCoist recalled Rangers’ controversial huddle at Celtic Park as he had his say on the Chelsea team’s bizarre move at the weekend.
The Blues got all of their players together at the centre-circle ahead of kick-off against Aston Villa on Saturday, but the moment sparked hilarity when referee Paul Tierney refused to leave and stood in the middle of it.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior said of the move "My players made the decision that they wanted to be around the ball, to respect the ball and show unity and leadership. That is not my decision. That was a decision between the leadership group and the team."
Ref Paul Tierney in the middle of the Chelsea huddle
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Ref Paul Tierney in the middle of the Chelsea huddle(Image: Getty Images)
The huddle has come in for criticism from various pundits and McCoist discussed it on the talkSPORT radio breakfast show with ex Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor and presenter Olivia Buzaglo.
And McCoist ended the discussion by referencing his old club’s infamous huddle at the end of an Old Firm derby win at Celtic Park in 1999 which secured the title for Rangers enemy territory.
Celtic have performed the pre-match huddle since it was introduced by former defender Tony Mowbray, who went on to manage the club, in 1995.
And Rangers mocked their rivals by performing it at the end of that victory 27 years ago in a game known as the shame game.
On the Chelsea one, McCoist said: "The whole thing was bizarre. It was silly and daft,” and Buzaglo asked: "Do you think it was disrespectful to the opposition?"
McCoist said: "Doing the huddle? I'll be brutally honest, I wouldn't want them in my half. The huddle is effectively a gimmick..."
Ally McCoist live on talkSPORT
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Ally McCoist live on talkSPORT(Image: talkSPORT)
Agbonlahor said: "So you're playing against them, it's your kickoff and they're around the ball. Are you going to be angry?"
McCoist replied: "Yes. They shouldn't be in your half,” before adding: "I don't know if it's a windup... I don't have a problem with anyone doing a huddle. But it's effectively a gimmick to get your fans behind you. But they overstepped the mark by stepping into the opposition half. It happened on occasion at Celtic Park one time, which we better gloss over. That didn't end too well!"
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