http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/entertainment-news/2008/08/26/celtic-fans-give-me-pelters-since-i-switched-loyalty-to-rangers-says-sir-sean-connery-86908-20711797/
Celtic fans give me pelters since I switched loyalty to Rangers, says Sir Sean Connery
Aug 26 2008 By Kevan Christie
SEAN Connery yesterday revealed he gets a hard time from Celtic fans - because he switched his allegiance to Rangers.
The former 007 dumped his boyhood favourites when he met and became close pals with the Ibrox side's chairman, David Murray.
But he laughed off the switch and joked that he gets spat at by Celtic fans when he returns to Paradise.
Connery, who was celebrating his 78th birthday yesterday, was speaking as he launched his autobiography Being A Scot at the Book Festival in his native Edinburgh.
First Minister Alex Salmond, the actor's brother Neil and wife Micheline were among those in the 300-strong audience.
Connery told them he had been a Celtic supporter when he was younger, after being introduced to the club by his father Joseph.
He said: "Football was a great passion of mine while I was growing up.
"My father introduced me to Celtic and we played football in what we called the back green which was, in fact, made of concrete.
"I have maintained my love of football. I went away from it when I was really busy on films and then I really got back into it when I was involved in Celtic and I remember helping with the Jock Stein benefit game."
But he joked about the stick he faces since switching sides to Rangers.
He said: "I changed my allegiance with David Murray. I met him when I got the freedom of the city here and immediately we had chemistry.
"We enjoyed each other's company - he's an amazing chap and we've stayed very, very good friends since."
He added, to laughter from the crowd: "And I get spat on if I go to Parkhead."
A promising footballer, Connery claimed he turned down a contract with Manchester United offered by Matt Busby in favour of acting.
He also talked about his love of golf and revealed his enthusiasm for Donald Trump's plans for a £1billion golf resort in Aberdeenshire.
Connery told the audience: "My first response was I couldn't see anything but benefits for that part of Scotland because it's pretty neglected, apart from the oil fields."