Hearts manager Derek McInnes shares details of a phone call from Celtic first-team coach Mark Fotheringham, who apologized for an incident during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Tynecastle.
The Tynecastle Confrontation
Temperatures rose at Tynecastle when McInnes entered the visitors’ technical area right after Benjamin Nygren scored the opening goal for Hearts. McInnes expressed frustration over the enthusiastic celebration from a member of Celtic’s coaching staff, later identified as Fotheringham.
At the time, McInnes described the reaction as coming from an inexperienced coach who got carried away. He clarified his annoyance stemmed from the unexpected and inappropriate nature of the celebration, noting he has faced many dugouts over the years without similar issues.
Fotheringham’s Apology
Fotheringham contacted McInnes on Monday afternoon to offer his regrets. ‘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,’ McInnes stated.
‘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 added, indicating both parties have put the matter behind them.
Upcoming Match and Transfer Updates
Hearts face Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday night, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points. Uganda forward Rogers Mato, the club’s fourth January signing, may make his debut in the match.
McInnes hopes to secure another striker before the transfer window closes next week but admits it appears unlikely. ‘As we sit here now, it looks unlikely at the minute. We’ve hit the bar with a couple, to be honest. We’ve tried to exhaust one or two situations,’ he explained.
‘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,’ McInnes continued.
Focus on the Title Race
With Hearts four points clear at the summit, a win against Dundee United would increase pressure on rivals Rangers and Celtic, who play on Sunday. However, McInnes downplays any psychological games, emphasizing preparation.
‘It just helps that we’ve got another chance to win a game. It shows that we’re not going anywhere and we’re still winning games of football,’ he said. ‘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.’
