DUNDEE, SCOTLAND - JULY 31: Rangers Manager Derek McInnes looks dejected during a William Hill Premiership match between Dundee United and Rangers at the CalForth Construction Arena at Tannadice Park, on July 31, 2026, in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Derek McInnes always cheated never defeated is a phrase that has quickly gathered attention after the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership.
Following the draw at Dundee United, the spotlight should have been on why the Ibrox club failed to win. Instead, attention shifted towards Derek McInnes confronting referee Nick Walsh after the final whistle.
McInnes has since admitted he should not have approached the official. However, the images had already spread everywhere.
Derek McInnes Always Cheated Never Defeated Fits The Narrative
Celtic supporting presenter Shebah Aherne summed up what many supporters have thought about McInnes for years.
She described him as giving off an “always cheated, never defeated” mentality.
It was a cutting observation, but one that reflects a criticism McInnes has often faced throughout his managerial career.
When results disappoint, the conversation regularly moves towards referees and controversial decisions instead of his team’s performance.
That approach may create a siege mentality among supporters. It can also distract from the bigger issues that decide football matches.
Managers earn respect by improving performances after setbacks. Continually looking elsewhere for explanations rarely solves anything.
Derek McInnes Always Cheated Never Defeated Will Not Worry Celtic
From a Celtic perspective, there is little to fear if this pattern continues.
Championship-winning teams usually react to disappointment by analysing mistakes and improving quickly.
Storming onto the pitch to challenge officials creates headlines, but it does not recover dropped points.
McInnes is fully entitled to disagree with decisions. Every manager does from time to time.
However, there is a clear difference between expressing frustration and allowing referees to dominate the post-match discussion.
If that becomes the recurring theme this season, opponents will be delighted.
The league campaign is only one game old, yet the focus has already moved away from football and onto officials.
For Celtic, that represents a positive sign. Teams that concentrate on improving themselves generally achieve far more than those searching for someone else to blame.
I would say that Ms Aherne has just ‘ bollocksed ‘ up any possible hopes for future employment with the BBC Scottish version and Sky Sports – the old SS – with her honest comment there ? Good on her ….
My brother lurks on FF…he says they’re on his case already…Wrong team selection…wrong ” tactics”…wrong substitutions…But apart from that…they’re delighted with the point.
Frying pan tan, the suit , the shoes ? Still just a bigot in charge of caber tosses.