Hearts manager Derek McInnes stunned fans and social media with a fiery post-match interview following a 4–2 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox Stadium. The manager didn’t hold back as he criticized the home supporters for a chant in the 57th minute that, in his words, “changed the game entirely.”

Rangers dominated large portions of the match, with Y. Chermiti producing a hat-trick at 39’, 57’, and 90’. Rangers had taken the lead through an own goal by M. Steinwender in the 19th minute and were further bolstered by C. Braga’s 30th-minute strike. Hearts tried to fight back, with M. Leonard scoring in the 16th minute and Chermiti responding with a late brace, but McInnes insists the chants from Rangers fans shifted momentum dramatically.

“WTF is that chant? They declared war from the stands, and we’ll show them, but it’s not right,” McInnes said in a live interview immediately after full-time. “The referee should have intervened. That chant distracted my players, it was completely unbelievable, and it impacted the outcome.”

McInnes emphasized that such fan behavior is against the spirit of football and called on the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) to investigate immediately. “You can support your team all you want, but influencing the opposition like that? That crosses a line,” he added.

The Hearts manager’s comments quickly went viral, with social media erupting in debate over whether crowd chants can truly sway professional football matches. Rangers supporters have defended the atmosphere as passionate support, while many neutral observers are questioning the league’s rules regarding fan conduct.

Despite the loss, Rangers fans celebrated a dominant win, but McInnes’ candid reaction ensures that this match will be remembered not only for the goals but also for the controversy ignited by fan behavior in the stands.