THE SPFL HAS JUST RELEASED WHAT CHERMITI SAID TO HIBERNIAN STAR “JAMIE MCGRATH”, IT’S TERRIBLE

The SPFL revelation that has Scottish football arguing all over again…

Scottish football has never been short of controversy, but what unfolded between Rangers forward Chermiti and Hibernian midfielder Jamie McGrath has ignited one of the most explosive debates of the season. A heated exchange. A raised hand. A slap caught on camera. And now, an SPFL disciplinary explanation that has poured petrol on an already raging fire.

What started as a fiercely contested league encounter has spiralled into a full-blown national talking point, with fans split, pundits furious, and social media absolutely melting down.

And now, for the first time, we are being told what was actually said on the pitch — words so inflammatory that even neutral observers are struggling to defend them.

But before we get to that, let’s rewind to how this moment unfolded… 👇

⚽ A MATCH PLAYED ON THE EDGE

The Rangers vs Hibernian clash had all the ingredients of a classic Scottish Premiership battle: crunching tackles, constant niggle, and emotions bubbling just beneath the surface. From the opening whistle, it was clear neither side was prepared to back down.

Chermiti, wearing Rangers blue and leading the line, had been involved in several physical duels. McGrath, operating in midfield for Hibs, was equally combative — snapping into challenges, chirping constantly, and refusing to be intimidated.

Referees are used to a bit of “industrial language” in these matches. What they aren’t used to is what came next.

😳 THE MOMENT THAT SHOCKED EVERYONE

Midway through the second half, cameras caught a brief but explosive exchange between Chermiti and McGrath. The two players squared up. Words were exchanged. Then — in a split second — Chermiti raised his hand and slapped McGrath across the face.

Gasps echoed around the stadium.

Players rushed in. Arms flailed. The referee sprinted over as both benches leapt to their feet. Within seconds, the clip was already being shared online, slowed down, zoomed in, and circled in red.

Was it violent conduct?

Was it provocation?

Was something truly unacceptable said?

That single question would dominate the post-match conversation.

🗣️ “WHAT HE SAID TO ME WAS NOT OKAY” — CHERMITI BREAKS HIS SILENCE

After the match, Chermiti didn’t hide. He didn’t dodge questions. And he didn’t apologise in the way many expected.

Instead, he dropped a bombshell.

“What he said to me on the pitch is not okay. I reacted, yes, but nobody is talking about the words that were said first.”

Those nine seconds of comment were enough to flip the narrative.

Suddenly, this wasn’t just about a slap.

It was about language, respect, and where football draws the line.

🔥 FANS TAKE SIDES — AND IT GETS UGLY

Rangers fans immediately rallied behind their striker.

• “Players don’t react like that for nothing.”
• “There’s a reason he lost his head — ask what was said!”
• “If it crossed the line, the SPFL must deal with it.”

Hibernian supporters, on the other hand, were furious.

• “There’s no excuse for violence.”
• “Words don’t justify assault.”
• “This is deflection — plain and simple.”

Former players weighed in. Pundits argued. Phone-in shows ran out of time. The incident had become bigger than the match itself.

And then came the moment everyone had been waiting for…

🚨 THE SPFL STEPS IN — AND RELEASES ITS FINDINGS

After reviewing footage, referee reports, and audio picked up by pitch-side microphones, the SPFL disciplinary panel released a summary of their investigation.

They confirmed that verbal exchanges were central to the incident, and crucially, that Chermiti’s claim was not dismissed.

According to the disciplinary report, Jamie McGrath was alleged to have directed a deeply offensive and inflammatory remark toward Chermiti, one that officials described as:

“Personal, provocative, and crossing the accepted boundaries of on-field communication.”

The SPFL stopped short of publishing the exact wording verbatim, but sources close to the investigation revealed that the comment was not simple trash talk, and was deemed serious enough to be formally logged.

And that’s when everything changed.

😲 “IT’S TERRIBLE” — WHY THIS HAS CROSSED A LINE

Multiple insiders have since described the comment as something that no player should have to endure, even in the heat of battle.

This wasn’t:

• A routine insult
• A tactical sledge
• Or standard football banter

Instead, it was reportedly a personal verbal attack, aimed directly at Chermiti in a way that provoked an immediate emotional reaction.

That doesn’t excuse the slap — and the SPFL made that clear — but it does provide crucial context.

⚖️ DISCIPLINE, DOUBLE STANDARDS, AND A FAMILIAR DEBATE

Here’s where Scottish football fans are now deeply divided:

• Should Chermiti be punished for violent conduct?
• Should McGrath be punished for provoking it?
• Why are words often treated as secondary to actions?

Many are asking why verbal abuse rarely carries the same weight as physical retaliation, despite its potential to cause just as much damage.

One former referee summed it up bluntly:

“If you punish the reaction but ignore the cause, you invite the same incident to happen again.”

📸 THE IMAGE THAT WON’T GO AWAY

The still images — Chermiti squared up, McGrath facing him, the slap frozen in time — are now iconic. Circled. Zoomed. Shared thousands of times.

But what they don’t show is the words that triggered it all.

And that, according to many players past and present, is the real problem.

🔴 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The SPFL is now under pressure to:

• Clarify its stance on verbal abuse
• Apply consistent disciplinary standards
• Protect players without encouraging retaliation

Chermiti is expected to face punishment for the physical act.

McGrath may yet face consequences for his words.

But the wider issue remains unresolved.

🧨 FINAL VERDICT: A SLAP THAT EXPOSED A BIGGER PROBLEM

This wasn’t just a moment of madness.

It wasn’t just a flashpoint in a heated match.

It was a reminder that football’s biggest battles aren’t always physical — and that sometimes, the most damaging blows are delivered with words.

Scottish football will move on.

Fixtures will be played.

Controversies will come and go.

But this one?

This one has left a mark — and the arguments are far from over. 👀🔥