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Gareth Fullerton

Liam Neeson labels Conor McGregor a 'little leprechaun' in bizarre rant

County Antrim movie star Liam Neeson has labelled Conor McGregor a "little leprechaun" in a bizarre rant at the Dubliner and MMA fighting.

The Taken star, 70, claimed McGregor was "giving Ireland a bad name" despite the pair never having met before.

Neeson was speaking in an interview with Men's Health, where he was asked if he watched McGregor or MMA fighting.

Read more: Conor McGregor offers to help Katie Taylor realise Croke Park dream

He said: “UFC I can’t stand. That to me is like a bar fight.

"I know the practitioners are like, ‘no, you’re wrong—the months of training we do …’ Why don’t you just grab a beer bottle and hit the other guy over the head?

"That’s the next stage of the UFC. I hate it.

The Ballymena actor added: "That little leprechaun Conor McGregor, he gives Ireland a bad name. I know he's fit, and I admire him for that. But I can't take it."

Liam Neeson (Image: Getty Images)

McGregor appeared to respond to Neeson on Twitter on Friday night, without launching into a potential celebrity feud with the 70-year-old.

He simply said: 'Irish proud - always.' along with an Irish flag emoji.

In December McGregor became embroiled in a spat with not only PJ Gallagher but also Paul McGrath.

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