Hearts Manager Derek McInnes Accepts Celtic Coach's Apology Following Touchline Incident
Hearts manager Derek McInnes has disclosed that Celtic first-team coach Mark Fotheringham personally telephoned him to apologise for causing offence during last Sunday's intense 2-2 Scottish Premiership draw at Tynecastle Park. The incident occurred immediately after Benjamin Nygren's opening goal for the visitors, prompting McInnes to storm into the Celtic technical area, visibly angered by the celebratory conduct of a member of Martin O'Neill's backroom staff.
McInnes Clarifies His Initial Annoyance
At the time, McInnes described the situation as involving 'just one of their inexperienced coaches who got a bit carried away', adding 'That's all I've got to say on it.' It was later confirmed that former Huddersfield Town manager Mark Fotheringham was the individual whose actions had provoked the Hearts boss's ire.
However, speaking yesterday, McInnes provided further context, admitting his annoyance while confirming Fotheringham's subsequent contrition. 'Just to clarify, I was annoyed,' McInnes stated. '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.'
Fotheringham's Apology and Moving Forward
The Hearts manager elaborated on the apology he received, highlighting Fotheringham's character. '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.'
With the matter now resolved, McInnes swiftly turned his attention to Hearts' upcoming fixture, a trip to face Dundee United this evening. The match could see Uganda forward Rogers Mato make his debut for the Gorgie side, having become Hearts' fourth signing during the January transfer window.
Transfer Window Realities and Title Race Focus
McInnes acknowledged the club's ongoing efforts in the transfer market but struck a realistic tone regarding further additions. 'We've hit the bar with a couple, to be honest. We've tried to exhaust one or two situations. The club's still chipping away at it but I'm just trying to be realistic in the sense that we've signed four this window that we were delighted to get in. We won't give up on a fifth but, at this moment in time, it might just seem a bit unlikely.'
With Hearts sitting four points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, tonight's match against Dundee United presents an opportunity to extend their lead over title rivals Rangers and Celtic, both of whom play tomorrow. McInnes, however, downplayed any psychological pressure a victory might exert on the Old Firm.
'It just helps that we've got another chance to win a game,' he remarked. 'It shows that we're not going anywhere and we're still winning games of football. I'm just really concentrating on making sure we pick the right team and try to get the right performance for the lads. It's not really about mind games and trying to send out a signal, or this and that. Take care of the game first, win the game, and then how people react to that is up to them.'
