Celtic coach sends apology to Derek McInnes as goal reaction vs Hearts branded 'out of order'
The incident occurred during last weekend’s draw between Hearts and Celtic.
Hearts boss Derek McInnes has revealed an apology from Celtic coach Mark Fotheringham, after an incident in last week’s draw between the pair.
Benjamin Nygren’s opener for Martin O’Neill’s side during the 2-2 Premiership stalemate sparked annoyance from McInnes, after a gesture from the ex-Huddersfield Town boss now part of the Celtic backroom staff. Stuart Findlay then Claudio Braga would twice bring Hearts level in the game after Yang had put the current champions back ahead in Gorgie.
Next up for Hearts is a trip to Dundee United but speaking ahead of the match at Tannadice, McInnes revealed that Fotheringham had phoned in on Monday to apologise for the incident. Not knowing a great deal about the coach beforehand, the Hearts boss has now drawn a line under the incident.
Derek McInnes on apology from Celtic coach
He said: “Just to clarify, I was annoyed. 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.”
McInnes had said post-match last weekend: “For me, it was nothing to do with Martin or Shaun (Maloney). It was just one of their inexperienced coaches who got a bit carried away. That's all I've got to say on it.”
Ahead of the game at Tannadice on Saturday night, McInnes said: “The game itself in isolation will be a tough game, but for us it's just trying to be good enough to win the game. We've had a couple of tough games against United, a late winner. We deserved no more than the point at Tynecastle. Whereas I thought we deserved the win up there, albeit the winner comes a bit late.
Derek McInnes on Dundee United vs Hearts
“That day, the pitch was pristine, sunshine, it was a brilliant advert for a Scottish game. Obviously, the nature, we're at the end of January, the pitch won't be perfect as it is, it's just the way it is for lots of clubs at the minute. I know Dundee United are desperate to get the game on as we are, so we're looking forward to it.
“There's three points there available and we're well aware of each game, the importance of that. We've had a good January. I was really pleased with last week's performance. I thought we potentially deserved more against Celtic. I thought we were good in the game.
“It was a physical game and a battle, which is exactly what it was. Fiercely competitive, fiercely fought, but again, we've come out the other end, against the team who's won the league over the last wee while, more than holding our own. It's important now that we as a team see the importance of every other game and hopefully, we can see that tomorrow.”