Few managers in Scottish football carry as much baggage into a Glasgow derby as Derek McInnes, and his Celtic history is a big part of it. This week’s talking point isn’t a new outburst but the fallout from an old one, and it shows how heated his relationship with the champions has become.
McInnes called the late penalty Celtic were awarded against Motherwell “disgusting” while he was still Hearts manager. The decision mattered enormously. It meant Celtic needed only a win over Hearts on the final day, rather than a three-goal margin, and they went on to win the league for a fifth straight time, denying Tynecastle a first title in 66 years. (scotsman) (scotsman)
The consequences followed him to Ibrox. The Scottish FA handed him a four-match ban for the remarks, and Rangers said they would appeal. The club argued his comments targeted the decision itself rather than officials in general, and did not allege bias, incompetence or dishonesty. (smdailyjournal) (smdailyjournal)
None of this is new for McInnes. At Hearts he stormed into Celtic’s technical area after a goal celebration he found provocative, and a Celtic coach later phoned to apologise. Back at Aberdeen, he accused John Collins of disrespecting the rest of the Scottish game. He is a competitive, outspoken manager who rarely lets a grievance go. (stv) (sportsmole)
That is not the same as hatred, and it would be unfair to say so. Passion and frustration with refereeing are part of the job, and plenty of managers have vented about penalties. What stands out is how often Celtic are the backdrop, and now that he manages their fiercest rivals, every comment will be read through that lens. Rangers fans will love the fire, Celtic fans will bristle, and the argument will carry on.
