TNT Sports reporter Connie McLaughlin has given her take on the awkward interview Martin O'Neill gave her ahead of last night's Europa League clash.
Heading into the first leg against Ferencvaros, the Parkhead manager made four changes to the side which lost to Rangers last Sunday.
Three of those were outfield players and the other saw goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo return between the sticks, with Sam Johnstone dropping out after starting two games following his loan move from Wolves.
That was the change that prompted McLaughlin to ask the 74-year-old for his reasoning behind it.
He spikily 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."
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The blunt answer prompted a lot of criticism on social media after O'Neill shut down the reporter for simpy doing her job.
On top of that, there was a feeling that he had condescendingly addressed her as 'honey' and not Connie.
However, she has played that down and insists O'Neill did call her by 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!"
