McInnes Slams Celtic as “Scottish Football Robbers Who Couldn’t Rob Anymore” After Hearts’ Stunning 3–1 Win

Hearts manager Derek McInnes delivered one of the most explosive post-match interviews of the season, branding Celtic as “Scottish football robbers who couldn’t rob anymore” following his side’s emphatic 3–1 victory at Tynecastle.

The win Hearts’ first over the defending champions in over three years  sent shockwaves through Scottish football and left Celtic fans reeling, both from the result and from McInnes’s stinging remarks in his six-minute media exchange afterward.

“Scottish football robbers couldn’t rob anymore”

Speaking to BBC Sportsound moments after the final whistle, McInnes did not hold back when asked about his team’s performance and Celtic’s struggles.

“For years, we’ve heard about how Celtic come here and just take points like it’s a given,” he said, visibly fired up. “They’ve had decisions, they’ve had luck, and sometimes it feels like the rest of Scottish football just has to accept it. But today, the so-called Scottish football robbers couldn’t rob anymore. We stood up to them, played our football, and deserved every bit of that win.”

The Hearts boss went on to criticise what he described as “a culture of entitlement” surrounding Celtic’s dominance in the Scottish Premiership.

“There’s this sense that they’ll always find a way a soft penalty, a late goal, a lucky bounce. But we weren’t having that today. We pressed them, punished them, and made sure they left with nothing they didn’t earn.”

A statement victory for Hearts

Hearts were clinical from the outset. D. Murray’s own goal in the 8th minute gave the home side an early lead when the Celtic defender’s clearance ricocheted past his goalkeeper under pressure. Celtic briefly threatened to turn the game around when Callum McGregor fired home the equaliser in the 12th minute, silencing the Tynecastle crowd momentarily.

After the interval, Hearts regained control. Alexandros Kyziridis restored the lead in the 52nd minute with a low, precise finish, before Shankland added a third from the penalty spot just three minutes later. The decisive sequence effectively sealed the game, leaving Celtic unable to recover despite late pressure.

The result not only strengthened Hearts’ grip on third place but also dented Celtic’s pursuit of the title, leaving them trailing league leaders Rangers by four points with ten games remaining.

“We earned this nothing given, nothing stolen”

When pressed further about his “robbers” comment, McInnes clarified that his frustration had been building for some time over what he sees as an imbalance in how top-flight matches are officiated.

“Look, Celtic are a huge club, and I respect what they’ve achieved. But too often, the conversation after games is about how they were ‘unlucky’ or how ‘the referee missed one’. I’m tired of that.

Today, no excuses. No controversy. Just football. We earned this  nothing given, nothing stolen.”

He added that the performance should serve as a statement for other clubs in the league.

“If we can show this level of belief and discipline, anyone can take them on. It’s not about budgets or names on shirts; it’s about bravery and honesty on the pitch.”

Celtic reaction: “We weren’t good enough”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was measured in his response, acknowledging his side’s shortcomings but choosing not to engage with McInnes’s fiery remarks.

“We weren’t good enough, plain and simple,” Rodgers said. “Hearts were the better team and deserved their win. We’ll take it on the chin and move on.

I didn’t hear Derek’s interview, but emotions run high after games. My focus is on getting us back to our best.”

Despite Rodgers’ calm tone, Celtic supporters expressed frustration online, with many calling the defeat “humiliating” and accusing the team of lacking hunger.

Tynecastle erupts

For the home crowd, it was a night of vindication. The victory was met with scenes of celebration as fans chanted McInnes’s name long after the final whistle.

Tynecastle, often a difficult ground for visiting sides, lived up to its reputation as Hearts played with energy and aggression from start to finish.

“That’s what this place is about,” McInnes said as he concluded his interview. “Passion, pride, and a belief that we can go toe to toe with anyone. Maybe today, we reminded Scottish football that the game’s not already written before it starts.”

Hearts’ victory keeps them firmly in the hunt for a European spot and raises questions over Celtic’s resilience as the title race intensifies.

For McInnes, the focus will now shift to maintaining that intensity in the coming fixtures  but his words are likely to echo throughout Scottish football for weeks to come.

“It’s not about making enemies,” he insisted, smiling as he left the interview area. “It’s about making a point  and tonight, we made it loud and clear.”