Ex-Gretna coach criticises Hearts for lacking 'respect' in not applauding Celtic

Davie Irons has criticised Hearts’ defeated cup final stars for not applauding Celtic as the quadruple-treble winners went to collect their trophy.

A dejected Hearts squad after the full-time whistle. Picture: SNS

The former Gretna manager, who was assistant when Hearts defeated Gretna on penalties in the 2006 Scottish Cup final, said he was disappointed not to see the Tynecastle side follow his old club’s lead by clapping the victors after the game.

He told the Falkirk Herald: "Gretna, as a team stood and applauded Hearts going up to get the trophy, Hearts didn't do that for Celtic on Sunday.

"We had a lot of disappointment that day but we showed them the respect, it would have been nice to see Hearts do the same.

"Everyone of us, to a man, stood and applauded Hearts going up to get their trophy, we showed respect that day. It's easy to be gracious in victory but harder after defeat."

Hearts were defeated on penalties at Hampden on Sunday after fighting back from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.