Tynecastle Stadium became the stage for an explosive display of fan frustration as Hearts supporters turned their anger towards Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes during Saturday's dramatic 2-2 draw.
The Banner That Said It All
In a stunning visual protest, Hearts fans unveiled a massive banner directed at the visiting manager, reading: "McInnes - Scottish football's biggest fraud." The stark message highlighted the depth of feeling among the Gorgie faithful towards the former Hearts player.
Chants Echo Around Tynecastle
The atmosphere turned electric as home supporters launched into repeated chants of "Derek McInnes, you're a football fraud" throughout the match. The targeted abuse came despite Hearts taking an early lead through Alan Forrest's 16th-minute strike.
McInnes's Hearts History Fuels Fire
The hostility stems from McInnes's brief but controversial spell at Hearts in 2011, where he managed just six games before departing for Bristol City. Many supporters felt betrayed by his sudden exit, and those wounds appear to have reopened with his return to Tynecastle.
Dramatic Match Overshadowed by Protests
While the football provided plenty of drama - with Aberdeen fighting back twice through Bojan Miovski and Connor Barron - the main talking point remained the ferocity of the home fans' protest. The result leaves Hearts sitting fourth in the Scottish Premiership, while Aberdeen continue to struggle in ninth position.
What This Means for Scottish Football
This incident highlights the intense passions and long memories within Scottish football, where past grievances can resurface years later. The targeted nature of the protest against a specific manager marks a significant escalation in fan expression within the Scottish game.
