Hearts striker Steven MacLean has said there was “no need” for Celtic duo Scott Brown and Mikael Lustig to goad about their Scottish Cup final triumph on Saturday.
Hoops skipper Brown and centre-back Lustig celebrated in front of Hearts man Uche Ikpeazu following the completion of the treble treble, which came courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Craig Levein’s side at Hampden Park.
Speaking to the Daily Record, MacLean – who stepped in to prevent Ikpeauzu from confronting the Celtic pair any further – criticised Brown and Lustig for their actions.
“There was no need for the celebrations but that’s what he’s like. Him and Lustig, that’s what they do and it’s not the first time,” the striker said.
“It is what it is. I’m not going to sit here and slaughter them because they won the cup. Congratulations to them, it’s up to them what they do. That’s Broony. He won’t change and neither will I.
“He will kick lumps out of me and I will kick lumps out of him, that’s what happens.”
OPINION
It all got a bit heated after full time in the Scottish Cup final, that’s for sure. But as MacLean admits, Scott Brown will be Scott Brown in these situations and there was no chance the Hoops skipper was going to hide his emotion after completing the treble treble. In fact, when have we ever seen Brown hide his emotion about anything? He is an outspoken character at the best of times and it looks like – once again – the emotion of the occasion got the better of him. It wasn’t the best of performances from Celtic, but they did what they needed to do to get over the line, and that’s all that matters. The treble treble is complete, and that is one massive achievement from the club. Now Celtic can look forward to next season having also confirmed Neil Lennon as the permanent boss for next season. What a time to be a Hoops fan.