Derek McInnes fires back at Hearts boss over handshake row after Rangers draw

Derek McInnes jokingly fired back at Hearts boss Wouter Vrancken after being asked about their handshake following Rangers' 2-2 draw at Tynecastle.

The Rangers manager was questioned about an apparent moment of friction with his former club's current boss after the sides shared the points on Wednesday night.

McInnes quickly dismissed any suggestion of a problem between the pair, insisting everything was fine before delivering a tongue-in-cheek response.

“No, no, all good,” he said.

When told that Vrancken had indicated he would have preferred a nicer handshake, McInnes replied: “I think he just thanked me how grateful he is for me leaving him such a strong squad here.”

The remark came after an eventful evening for McInnes, who returned to Tynecastle for the first time as Rangers manager following his spell in charge of Hearts.

Despite the personal significance of the occasion, McInnes was left frustrated by Rangers' failure to turn their advantage into three points.

The visitors struggled to establish control during key periods of the contest and were punished after the break, before eventually earning a point through a late equaliser.

McInnes admitted his side had not done enough to win the match, despite having spells of possession and creating opportunities.

He said: “We didn't do enough to win the game.

“But we worked hard. I think stats will show we had more possession, we had more big chances, similar shots on target, I think it was. But I thought, as I say, the better performers were in Hearts jerseys tonight.”

McInnes reflects on emotional Tynecastle return

The Rangers boss also spoke about the reception he received from the Hearts support and his reunion with former players and staff.

McInnes acknowledged that he understood the reaction from the stands, given his previous connection with the Edinburgh club.

“I think Scottish football is what it is. I didn't expect anything different and why should I? I get it, totally get it,” he said.

“I liked coming in and seeing all my ex-players, all the players I've signed. I actually met some of the players I'd signed for the first time. The night was quite surreal.

“But seeing all the staff here and all my former players, I had a brilliant time here. It was only fondness, so that's part of it. But obviously once the whistle goes, I know I'm not going to get it.

“People are going to be kind to me and I totally understand it. But it doesn't change how I feel about this club and my time here.”

McInnes will now turn his attention to Rangers' Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden on Saturday, with his side looking to put the dropped points behind them and reach the final.

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