The dust hadn’t even settled on Celtic’s latest scrap with VAR before the usual suspects in the Scottish media started spinning the narrative.
This time, it’s BBC pundit Tom English right in the firing line after a tweet that has the Hoops support calling out a blatant ‘agenda’ yet again.
Elbow on face is the new boot on boot. https://t.co/vRF3mpIN04
— Tom English (@TEnglishSport) March 21, 2026
Never one to miss a chance to stir the pot, English took to X to offer a bizarre comparison of a clear elbow to the face, equating it to a standard ‘boot on boot’ challenge made by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in Celtic’s win over Motherwell.
For a fan base already fed up with inconsistent officiating, seeing a national broadcaster brazenly use a controversial call involving Celtic players to make a point about a completely different game was the final straw.
And, of course, this is not the first time English’s anti-Celtic stance has been called out.
‘Ah We See You’: The Celtic support hits back at BBC man
The replies weren’t just a rebuttal; they were a demolition. Celtic fans were quick to dismantle English’s analysis, seeing it for exactly what it was: a desperate attempt at false equivalence.
Kevin Brady (@Gre3nProphet) summed up the mood of thousands with a simple, clinical four-word reply: “Ah we see you.”
Ah we see you
— Kevin Brady (@Gre3nProphet) March 21, 2026
It’s a sentiment that resonates across the support, Celtic fans know the script, and we know exactly who’s writing it.
Selective Memory and Double Standards
What really sticks in the throat for the Celtic faithful is the selective memory on display. While English is quick to point out the rules when it suits, it seems he will also ignore when decisions go against Celtic.
Fans were quick to point out the deafening silence from the pundit when Celtic players are on the receiving end of actual shockers.
Time for an eye check Tom if you thought the force was anywhere else other than the boot . Also not a great look when you are comparing a sligh elbow to the face to a player stepping on a boot!!
— GandolfG (@gindog20) March 21, 2026
One supporter, @Tommyhenke7, hit the nail on the head by bringing up the infamous stamp on Kieran Tierney at Pittodrie, an incident that seemingly didn’t warrant this level of commentary from the BBC man when he said, “Yet you had nothing to say when Tierney was stamped on at Pittodrie . Funny that.”
The ‘Anti-Celtic’ Narrative Lives On
This isn’t just about one bad tweet; it’s about the culture of Scottish football media.
Tom with his usual agenda journalism or an attempt to be funny. Rubbish at both
— Iain McMillan (@iainmcmillan71) March 21, 2026
When high-profile BBC figures use their platform to gaslight the fans and minimise foul play, it confirms every suspicion held by Celtic supporters.
Just a specky bitter wee guy aren’t ye Tom?
— Danny (@dxnnyclintxn95) March 21, 2026
Stick to rugby ya fud.
English might think he’s being clever with his “elbow is the new boot” line, but all he’s done is show his hand.
As the title race reaches fever pitch, the fans are watching the impartial pundits just as closely as the referees. And right now, both are failing the test.
Get this kind of Celtic reaction straight to your inbox — free – sign up for our BRAND NEW newsletter before you leave.
Celtic fans are debating this right now in The Jungle 🍀
Opinions are split. Some fans see it one way, others see it very differently.
The conversation is already live in The Jungle — the Born Celtic forum where proper football arguments happen without algorithms deciding who gets heard.