BadboyDerek McInnes reveals what Celtic assistant Mark Fotheringham said that sparked his outrage
Derek McInnes has revealed the latest details behind his heated confrontation with Celtic assistant manager Mark Fotheringham during the Old Firm derby, admitting that words from the Celtic coach left him furious on the touchline.
The Rangers boss became involved in an angry exchange with Fotheringham during the early stages of Sunday’s clash at Celtic Park, with the tension rising just minutes after Rangers defender Manny Fernandez was booked for a challenge on Camilo Duran. McInnes initially protested the decision before turning his attention towards the Celtic technical area.
The confrontation quickly became heated, forcing Martin O’Neill to intervene before referee John Beaton showed both McInnes and Fotheringham yellow cards.
McInnes has previous history with Fotheringham. The pair were involved in another touchline incident during the January meeting between Hearts and Celtic, when McInnes admitted he was angered by the Celtic coach’s reaction. Fotheringham subsequently phoned McInnes to apologise and said no offence had been intended.
That history appeared to add another layer to Sunday’s confrontation, with McInnes clearly unwilling to ignore what he perceived as provocative behaviour.
The Rangers manager’s frustration was particularly evident because the incident came so early in a match carrying enormous significance for both clubs. With emotions already high following Rangers’ 3-0 League Cup victory over Celtic the previous weekend, the latest confrontation threatened to overshadow the football.
McInnes ultimately had the last word on the pitch, as Ryan Naderi scored the only goal of the match to give Rangers a 1-0 victory and complete successive Old Firm wins.
The result made McInnes only the second Rangers manager after Graeme Souness to win his first two Old Firm derbies, adding another remarkable chapter to an increasingly intense rivalry.
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