COACH MCINNES PUBLICLY DISGRACED CELTIC LEGEND FOR CALLING HIM A “TOXIC COACH” ON A LIVE TV BEFORE THE CELTIC VS HEARTS GAME

The fallout from Hearts dramatic 2:2 draw against Celtic has exploded into a full blown Scottish football controversy, with Hearts manager Derek McInnes launching a furious public attack on Celtic legend and television pundit Chris Sutton following comments made on national tv before the kick off.

The controversy began hours before the high profile clash when Sutton, speaking live on national television, referred to McInnes as a “toxic coach”, questioning his man management style and claiming his presence had a negative influence on Scottish league. The comments immediately raised eyebrows across the Scottish football community, with many viewing them as unnecessarily personal and provocative.

McInnes, however, waited until after the final whistle to respond and when he did, he showed no restraint.

Following an intense 2:2 draw at Tynecastle, where Hearts twice came from behind to deny Celtic victory, McInnes used his post match media engagement to publicly disgrace Sutton, delivering one of the most scathing managerial rebukes of a pundit in recent memory.

“I’ve been in football a long time,” McInnes said. “I’ve worked with players, staff, clubs and owners, people who actually understand the game. And I can honestly say Chris Sutton is the most useless pundit in Scotland.”

The Hearts boss did not stop there.

“He comments on things he has absolutely no idea about,” McInnes continued. “He’s never been in my dressing room, never worked with my staff, never spoken to my players. Yet he’s comfortable throwing around words like ‘toxic’ on live television. That says more about him than it does about me.”

The comments sent shockwaves through Scottish football, with clips of McInnes tirade spreading rapidly across social media. Fans from both sides weighed in, some applauding the Hearts manager for standing up to what they called media nonsense, while others accused him of losing his composure.

The match itself had already been a flashpoint. Celtic dominated possession early and took the lead through a slick attacking move, only for Hearts to respond with grit and intensity. The Edinburgh side refused to be intimidated, equalising before halftime and again late in the second half after Celtic had regained the lead.

Many observers praised Hearts resilience, tactical discipline and visible unity, a narrative that directly contradicted Sutton pre match criticism.

Asked whether the performance was a response to the pundit comments, McInnes allowed himself a brief smile.

“I don’t need motivation from television studios,” he said. “My players don’t either. What you saw tonight was a group that believes in each other and believes in what we’re building. If that’s toxic, then I’ll take it every week.”

Chris Sutton, who has built a reputation as one of Scottish football most outspoken analysts, has yet to issue a formal response. However, sources close to the broadcaster suggested the comments had caused internal discussion, particularly due to the personal nature of McInnes criticism.

Former players and managers were quick to enter the debate. Some defended Sutton right to express strong opinions, while others questioned whether punditry in Scotland has crossed the line from analysis into provocation.

“This isn’t analysis anymore,” one former international said. “Calling a manager toxic without evidence is dangerous. It undermines professionalism.”

McInnes, for his part, remained defiant.

“I’m judged on results, on how my players respond and on what happens on the pitch,” he said. “Not on cheap soundbites designed to trend on social media.”

The Scottish FA declined to comment, while Hearts officials privately expressed support for their manager, insisting his remarks were made in defence of his professional integrity.

As the dust settles, The Celtic versus Hearts rivalry has spilled far beyond the pitch. What began as a pre match comment has escalated into one of the most explosive manager and pundit clashes in recent Scottish football history.

Whether Sutton responds, and whether broadcasters rethink the tone of their coverage, remains to be seen. But after a fiery draw and an even fiercer press conference, Derek McInnes has made one thing unmistakably clear. He will not stay silent when his reputation is publicly challenged.