Ian Wright details Mark Viduka's dressing-room walkout during Celtic's loss

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 15, 2026, 11:35 AM

Last updated Sep 15, 2026

Ian Wright details Mark Viduka's dressing-room walkout during Celtic's loss

Summary

In a recent podcast, Ian Wright recounted the moment Mark Viduka walked out during halftime of Celtic's 3-1 defeat to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in February 2000. Wright explained how Viduka began removing his kit amid the fans' boos, expressing his frustration with the situation. John Barnes had to make an unexpected substitution when Viduka went to the shower instead of rejoining the team. The match resulted in Barnes's dismissal just days later, ending his tenure as Celtic manager amidst the turmoil. The incident highlighted the atmosphere of mental distress within the squad at the time.

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•Wright recalls Viduka's walkout during halftime of a 3-1 loss.
•The defeat led to John Barnes's dismissal shortly afterward.
•Celtic was trailing 2-1 at halftime of the Scottish Cup match.
•Wright replaced Viduka in the second half.

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11:35 AMYahoo Sports — Ian Wright reveals incredible Mark Viduka Celtic dressing-room walkout in Inverness disaster

What they're saying

"
Ian Wright has recalled the remarkable moment Mark Viduka refused to return for the second half of Celtic’s infamous Scottish Cup defeat to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.The 3-1 loss at Celtic Park i...
— Yahoo Sports

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