Strachan abused by Hearts fan

HEARTS will carry out an investigation after Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was involved in a corridor spat with a fan after his side’s 2-0 win at Tynecastle yesterday.

A clever strike by Shaun Maloney and a controversial goal from Gary Caldwell put the champions back on top of the Scottish Premier League.

It is thought that someone from corporate hospitality at Tynecastle verbally abused the Hoops boss as he came out from his post-match media briefing.

A Hearts spokesman said: “An investigation has already started and once the individual has been identified, appropriate action will be taken.”

Strachan, who claimed he knew nothing about a newspaper story that Barcelona defender Sylvinho was a target for the Scottish champions, praised his side for their commanding win, which was effectively sealed when Hearts saw Marius Zaliukas red-carded for a professional foul, although Paul Hartley missed the resultant penalty.

However, ahead of the visit of Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday, Strachan was at pains to highlight the abilities of the tournament holders who beat the Hoops 3-0 at Old Trafford.

“It was a hard game until the two goals went in and it was good that the players put themselves in that position. After that we could come down a couple of gears,” he said.

“People have spouted that Manchester United played in second gear against us.

“They were only in second gear when they got to the stage where they had scored two goals against us and remember, those two goals were offside.

“We won’t have the same ability as them.

“But whatever our failings, spirit, character and determination is not a problem.”

Meanwhile, Rangers captain Barry Ferguson believes the Rangers team he returned to at the weekend is even better than the one he led to the UEFA Cup final last season.

The captain ended five months of frustration when he returned from ankle surgery to make his first appearance of the campaign in a 5-0 romp against Inverness on Saturday.

“Football-wise, we are a better,” he said. “We have changed the way we play this season and I’m looking forward to getting back.”