McInnes explains why he refused Martin O’Neill’s handshake post-Celtic

Derek McInnes directed a pointed comment at Celtic’s coaching staff following the tense draw at Tynecastle, and it was telling who he chose to exclude. He was clear that his issue was not with Martin O’Neill or Shaun Maloney, but with what he described as “an inexperienced coach” on the Celtic bench. That distinction is significant, narrowing the focus and raising questions about who he was really referring to.

The incident came after Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring, prompting a visible reaction from the bench. Emotions were already running high in a tight game marked by late drama, VAR intervention, and a red card. Tynecastle was tense throughout, and small flashpoints were always likely to be noticed.

McInnes chose to make his issue public rather than let it pass, lending his words weight, particularly in a match where Hearts needed to protect their position in the table while Celtic chased ground. By specifically ruling out O’Neill and Maloney, McInnes effectively directed attention elsewhere. That leaves Mark Fotheringham or Stephen McManus as the probable targets. If so, the criticism feels misplaced given the experience both bring and Celtic’s current standing.

Stephen McManus has spent years at the club, first as captain and now coaching young players stepping into senior football. His role is about standards, habits, and helping players cope with moments exactly like those at Tynecastle. Mark Fotheringham has a different but equally demanding background, having coached abroad, managed in the Championship, and operated under high-pressure conditions. To label him “inexperienced” overlooks that expertise.

Context is key. The Celtic bench reaction followed a goal in a tightly contested match. Any release of emotion in such circumstances is understandable. McInnes said (Sky Sports): “Just one of their inexperienced coaches, I didn’t like his reaction to scoring the goal, but nothing to do with Shaun (Maloney) or Martin (O’Neill), just a poor reaction.”

For Celtic, the comment is unlikely to linger. O’Neill has consistently backed his staff, and players respond to the team as a whole, not outside noise. On the pitch, both Fotheringham and McManus have proven they belong exactly where they are.