Hearts manager Derek McInnes has revealed that Celtic first-team coach Mark Fotheringham contacted him following an incident at last weekend’s game at Tynecastle…
The phone call came after a flashpoint in the opening stages of the game that heightened tensions between the two coaches.
McInnes was seen confronting the Celtic technical area moments after Benjamin Nygren had given Hearts the lead, reacting angrily to what he felt was excessive celebration from a member of Martin O’Neill’s backroom staff.
“It was just one of their inexperienced coaches who got a bit carried away,” McInnes said to Sky Sports in his post-match comments. “That’s all I’ve got to say on it.”
❤️ "Great effort from everybody"
👀 "One of their inexperienced coaches, I didn't like his reaction"Derek McInnes on Hearts coming from behind twice to claim a point and explains what happened after Celtic's opener ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/72DfVHvxmJ
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 25, 2026
It was later confirmed that ex-Huddersfield Town manager Mark Fotheringham was the individual at the centre of the touchline dispute that provoked McInnes’ angry reaction.
Speaking to the media on Friday as Hearts prepared for their visit to Dundee United this evening, the Tynecastle boss addressed the situation publicly.
“Just to clarify, I was annoyed,” McInnes told BBC Sport Scotland. “I’ve been up against loads of different dugouts over the years and loads of Celtic teams and I was really annoyed with the reaction.
“It surprised me and I thought it was out of order, so that was why I was annoyed about it. But in fairness to Mark, he’s not a boy I know too well, but I know people that know him. He’s a great lad, seemingly – but he phoned me Monday afternoon to apologise.”
“He said there was no offence meant and if there was, he said he was sorry for that. I think that says a lot about him, so we move on.”
It could be a big weekend in the Scottish Premiership with Hearts playing first at Tannadice out the three sides battling for the title. The latest Ibrox club visit Easter Road tomorrow, with Celtic in action an hour later against Falkirk at Celtic Park with Bairns boss John McGlynn pointing out that the Green Brigade being missing is a major plus for his side’s chances. Makes you wonder why Celtic is continually self-harming this season under the inept leadership of a CEO vastly out of his depth in the job.
Conor Spence
Sale Ends Sunday…
It’s the last few days of the Half Price January sale at Celtic Star Books. Every book ordered is now just £10 and p&p is only charged on the first book at £4.50. So ordering three books will cost a total of £34.50 and given you a £30 saving. Order at celticstarbooks.com/shop
All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…
Please note that p&p is priced at £4.50 is only charged on ONE book so you can buy as many of our books as you like and the postage cost will remain the same. Why not expand your Celtic library today?
Nothing said about del boy scoping out the Celtic players with his childish mind games. Sad Hun.