‘He did NOT call me honey’ – TNT Sports reporter clarifies awkward O’Neill interview | OneFootball

TNT Sports reporter Connie McLaughlin has cleared up confusion surrounding her awkward pre-match interview with Celtic manager Martin O’Neill ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Ferencvaros.

Daniel Arzani of Ferencvaros celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Celtic FC and Ferencvarosi TC at Celtic Park on September 17, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

O’Neill made four changes to the side beaten 3-0 by Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup, including the decision to restore Viljami Sinisalo in goal at the expense of Sam Johnstone.

McLaughlin asked the Celtic boss for his reasoning behind the goalkeeping switch, but O’Neill was reluctant to elaborate.

He responded: “No, I’ll not talk to you about the thinking behind that one. Sinisalo was always going to play this game.

“Believe it or not, Connie, my job is not to explain every single decision to you, as much as you’re going to ask and I’m delighted you are.”

The exchange attracted plenty of attention on social media, with O’Neill’s response criticised by some viewers.

There was also confusion over whether the 74-year-old had addressed McLaughlin as ‘honey’ rather than Connie during the interview.

However, the TNT Sports presenter has now moved to clear that up, confirming O’Neill did indeed use her name.

Writing on Instagram, she said: “Evening… I’ve had LOTS of messages tonight after my pre-match interview with Martin O’Neill, so just to clear one thing up…

“He did NOT call me ‘honey’. He called me Connie. As in… my name.

“He probably calls me worse when I’m not there in fairness. But tonight, it was definitely Connie!”

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