Celtic fans were left ashamed as Derek Mclnnes slammed Celtic “Scottish football robbers couldn’t rob anymore” in a fiery six-minute post-match interview”
Hearts manager Derek McInnes delivered one of the most explosive post match interviews of the season after his side’s 2 1 victory over Celtic, accusing the Glasgow giants of benefitting from favourable decisions in Scottish football and insisting that “the Scottish football robbers could not rob anymore today.”
The six minute tirade, which is already spreading rapidly across social platforms, left Celtic fans stunned, embarrassed, and furious. In a match filled with tension, controversy and late drama, McInnes’ interview has quickly become the headline moment, overshadowing everything that happened on the pitch and igniting a storm of debate across the league.
A WIN THAT MEANT MORE THAN THREE POINTS
Hearts’ 2 1 victory was significant on its own, but the way McInnes addressed the media made it clear this was about far more than a single match. The Hearts coach has long expressed frustration over what he views as Celtic receiving favourable treatment in key fixtures, and on this night he unleashed all of it at once.
Speaking with visible fire in his eyes, McInnes began by praising his players’ resilience and discipline before launching into his now infamous line.
“We were the better side, we deserved the win, and today the Scottish football robbers could not rob anymore,” he said, shaking his head. “Not today. Not after the way we played. Not after what this club has been through against them.”
The term “robbers” hit Scottish football like a shockwave. Reporters went silent. Social media erupted instantly.
THE SIX MINUTE RANT THAT SET SCOTLAND ALIGHT
McInnes did not stop there. In a controlled but furious tone, he criticised what he described as “years of decisions going one way” and suggested that officials often hesitate when facing Celtic.
“We all know what happens in this league,” he continued. “We know who gets the calls, who gets the soft fouls, who gets extra time when the match suits them. But today no amount of whistles or added minutes could change what was happening on that pitch.”
Hearts had already scored twice before Celtic grabbed a consolation goal in the 94th minute. According to McInnes, he refused to panic even when stoppage time went long.
“There is always time added when they need it,” he said. “It has become a tradition. But we were not letting that rob us today. My boys were warriors.”
The choice of words such as “robbers,” “tradition,” and “warriors” instantly turned an ordinary post match interview into one of the most talked about moments of the season.
FANS LEFT ASHAMED BY HIS COMMENTS
Celtic supporters reacted with anger, frustration, and even shame. Many felt deeply embarrassed that a rival coach felt so confident accusing Celtic of benefitting from systemic bias.
Some called the interview unprofessional, others labelled it an outright attack, while many expressed concern that McInnes’ comments would dominate headlines more than Celtic’s performance, which supporters already considered unacceptable.
A surprising number of Celtic fans admitted online that “the shame is real,” especially given the internal anger directed at their own team after the match.
One supporter wrote
“Worst day ever. We lose the match, our own player gets booed, and now the Hearts manager goes on national television and humiliates us.”
Another said
“It hurts because he knows we are fragile right now. He picked the perfect moment to take a swing.”
WHY HIS WORDS CUT SO DEEPLY
Part of the reason the interview struck such a nerve is that Celtic were already under intense internal criticism. Supporters were furious that Sebastian Tounekti started the match despite his recent poor form, and the late goal did very little to hide the wider tactical issues of the night.
McInnes’ comments poured fuel onto a fire that was already burning fiercely.
Football pundits suggested that the Hearts coach chose this moment deliberately, sensing weakness inside the Celtic camp. With fans criticising their own players and their manager, McInnes’ words felt like an open invitation for rivals to apply even more pressure.
THE AFTERMATH CALLS FOR A RESPONSE
Celtic are now under pressure not only to fix their on pitch issues but also to respond to what McInnes said. Some supporters want a strong official response. Others fear that answering him at all would only legitimise the accusations.
What is certain is that the comments will not disappear quickly. Scottish football thrives on drama, but this interview has struck at long standing tensions between clubs, referees, decisions, and perceived advantages.
Whether McInnes will face disciplinary action is currently unclear. Whether Celtic will issue a formal complaint or attempt to de escalate the situation also remains unknown. But one thing is undeniable.
The Hearts manager has lit a fire under Scottish football, and Celtic, already wounded from the defeat, now find themselves facing public scrutiny, rival celebrations, and a fanbase demanding accountability.
The match ended 2 1, but the interview has turned the rivalry into a much larger battle.
