Celtic and Rangers fans baffled by Derek McInnes’ ‘loser’s menatility’ ahead of Hearts clash

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Credit: Imago Fri 1 May 2026 18:00, UK Celtic and Rangers fans have been left unimpressed with Derek McInnes as he continues to claim that Hearts are the underdogs in the ongoing title race.The Scottish Premiership arguably has its biggest game of the season on Monday when Hearts hosts the Gers at Tynecastle.A victory for the hosts could put them seven points clear of Rangers, effectively ending their title challenge, and being within touching distance of the cup.Yet, despite being three points clear at the summit, McInnes has continued to reiterate that Hearts are the underdogs.Now, fans are the Old Firm clubs are less than impressed ahead of the Rangers showdown, with Hearts being top of the table for the majority of the season. ⚽ Rangers Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Gers fixture. VISIT THE RANGERS MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Old Firm clubs tell Derek McInnes that Hearts are favourites for the titleWhile there is no doubt that Hearts winning the title would be a shock, it has been on the cards for much of the season.The Jambos are now just four matches away from completing this, with the match against Rangers key.PositionTeamPointsGoal-difference1stHearts73312ndCeltic70263rdRangers6934Hearts are comfortably top of the table as it standsAhead of the game, McInnes spoke to Sky Sports Scotland on 1 May, and claimed that Hearts remain the underdogs.He said: “Obviously, we get into these games normally as an underdog, and I think that we have always been an underdog this season with real belief, genuine belief.“And I think we’ve played with a confidence and a belief that we can win the game.“The games against Rangers and Celtic have been a good reference for me getting into these games, because we’re going to have to lean on everything.🗣️ “We go into these games as an underdog.” 🏆 “There is not a lot of room for error.”Hearts head coach Derek McInnes on his PFA Scotland award nomination, fitness updates on Milne & Devlin, plus the title race ahead of facing Rangers on Monday – live on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/wxXTwvUX4a— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 1, 2026 “But I think when it comes to this stage of the season, you just try to find that winning performance, because winning brings so much to it and defeats can be quite damaging.“And there’s not a lot of room for error.”However, fans of Rangers and Celtic are furious with this statement, as both clubs are now arguably the underdogs in the title race.As a result, they took to X to express their frustration with McInnes’ comments.Oh my god, is this guy still using the ‘underdog’ gimmick😂😂— Noah (@CelticNoah) May 1, 2026 Here he goes same patter different day he is an embarrassment to Scottish football his reverse psychology is getting boring— Tyson Wales (@b4bh2m) May 1, 2026 Been top of the league most of the season hearts are not under dogs at all at the start yes the have to be favorites now— rommensdownthewing (@Chesterandclea) May 1, 2026 Stop this underdog nonsense, your are in prime position and title favourites.

You’ll beat Rangers and once done so only have Motherwell away to worry about. Last game won’t matter as goal difference won’t be caught up by Celtic.— dishydes (@DerekBlair50104) May 1, 2026 Underdogs?At homeTop of the table4 points ahead of RangersIf McInnes genuinely thinks Hearts are underdogs then he has loser’s mentality.— 3rdFrame (@The3rdFrame) May 1, 2026 Underdog been top since week 3 away you go https://t.co/xPmTuvJUv7— Jason Tobin (@jasont00359) May 1, 2026 — Slimshady (@Slimshady1961) May 1, 2026 Can Danny Rohl survive another defeat?Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that the end of Rangers’ season will be key for Rohl.The manager now finds himself back under pressure, with the Gers set to end the season trophyless on top of missing out on Champions League football as it stands.Fans will be furious if this happens, and the Hearts game is perhaps Rohl’s last hope that he can turn things around this season.If not, he will likely be under huge pressure for the start of the 2026-27 campaign, as if the club does not get off to a winning start, he could face the sack.Nevertheless, Rohl has masterminded a victory over Hearts earlier this season, and if he can repeat this trick, all is likely to be forgiven for the time being.

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