Furious Peter Grant believes the SFA should investigate McInnes’ comments
21:59, 26 Jan 2026Updated 08:14, 27 Jan 2026
Derek McInnes during Hearts’ draw with Celtic(Image: Alan Rennie/Shutterstock)
Derek McInnes could face SFA backlash for claiming Celtic ‘don’t get red cards’ domestically – with former Hoops midfielder Peter Grant slamming the Hearts boss.
Debate is raging in the wake of Sunday’s eventful 2-2 draw over whether Auston Trusty deserved his sending off late in the second half. He brought down Pierre Landry Kabore and while whistler Steven McLean initially didn’t deem it denial of a goalscoring opportunity, yellow was upgraded to red after VAR John Beaton recommended a pitchside review.
Celtic are furious and today confirmed they plan to appeal the decision, while Martin O’Neill also blasted it after the game. But it’s the comments from McInnes, who suggested domestic referees are lenient on the Hoops, that have sparked Grant’s ire.
He said on Go Radio: “I thought Derek’s comments about Celtic not getting red cards were really poor.
“I think that’s ridiculous. The SFA should look at that because that’s trying to put pressure on referees for me.
“I’d like Derek to say where Celtic should have got a red card any time this season.
“If he can point out incidents that he thinks Celtic have got away with fine, no problem. But I thought it was a ridiculous comment and it’s nothing to do with that game – it’s rubbish.”
Peter Grant on Go Radio(Image: )
Going into the game Celtic were one of three teams yet to see red in a league game this season, with Falkirk and Motherwell still unblemished in that regard. That was despite being involved in a few controversial flashpoints, including Trusty’s alleged kick on Jack Butland and Julian Araujo’s ‘reckless’ challenge against Dundee United.
Speaking straight after the game, McInnes said: “My take on it is, and I think what the fourth official said to me, is that they needed to be sure that Kabore would get a shot away.
“My thought was, ‘he’s definitely going to get a shot away’. He broke the line.
“Celtic don’t get red cards domestically. It was a bit of a shock when VAR turned it and made it a red. But for me it looked like a red card offence.”