“WTF IS THAT CHANT? – If Celtic Continues Like That No Club Will Ever Respect Them Again” – Derek McInnes Slams Celtic Fans After Heated Hearts Draw

Hearts manager Derek McInnes has launched a fierce and controversial attack on Celtic supporters following a chaotic 2–2 draw at Tynecastle, claiming a shocking chant from the travelling fans changed the entire tone of the match and crossed a line that has no place in football.

The flashpoint came in a game already full of tension. Celtic took an early lead through Benjamin Nygren in the 7th minute, silencing the home crowd, before Hearts responded strongly after the break. Stephen Findlay levelled the score in the 48th minute, swinging momentum firmly in the hosts’ favour. Celtic regained control briefly when Hyun-Jun Yang struck in the 62nd minute, but the match turned dramatically in the 77th minute when Adam Trusty was sent off, leaving Celtic to defend with ten men.

With the numerical advantage, Hearts pushed relentlessly and finally found their reward late on, as Carlos Braga equalised in the 87th minute to rescue a deserved point.

But McInnes made it clear after full-time that the football itself was not his main concern.

Speaking in a visibly agitated post-match interview, the Hearts boss dismissed claims that the contest was a “thriller,” instead insisting Hearts were firmly on course for victory after the red card — until what he described as an unacceptable chant from the Celtic end disrupted the game.

“That wasn’t a thriller,” McInnes said bluntly. “Once they went down to ten men, we were the better side. We were pushing, we had control, and honestly, we could have won it comfortably. But then you hear that chant. WTF is that chant?”

McInnes went further, warning that Celtic’s reputation as a club is being damaged not by results, but by supporter behaviour.

“If Celtic continues like that, no club will ever respect them again,” he added. “This is supposed to be football. Passion is one thing. What we heard today is another. It changes the atmosphere, it changes the focus, and it affects everyone on the pitch.”

While McInnes did not repeat the chant publicly, his comments immediately sparked backlash and debate across Scottish football. Some fans accused him of deflecting from Hearts’ inability to secure all three points despite having an extra man, while others supported his stance, calling for greater accountability around fan conduct.

From a footballing perspective, Celtic will be frustrated. Leading twice away from home and still failing to win, especially after Trusty’s dismissal, raised fresh questions about discipline and game management. Hearts, on the other hand, will feel they missed a golden opportunity, with McInnes convinced the red card should have sealed the outcome.

The SFA is now expected to review reports from match officials, as McInnes’ comments have intensified scrutiny around crowd behaviour at high-pressure fixtures.

What should have been remembered as a dramatic Edinburgh clash is now overshadowed by controversy. And judging by Derek McInnes’ reaction, this debate is far from over.