Celtic manager Gordon Strachan played down an unseemly spat between captain Neil Lennon and Aiden McGeady at the end of the 2-1 win at Dunfermline.
The Hoops were two goals up before Stephen Simmons grabbed a late consolation for the Pars in injury time.
But the late strike sparked an angry confrontation between Lennon and McGeady before Celtic midfielder Evander Sno and Owen Morrison of Dunfermline parted the players.
However, the Celtic Park boss insists the clash was merely the result of professional pride.
Strachan told Setanta Sports: “It is fear of getting beaten and letting goals in. It is as simple as that.
“You have to have that fear in football not to let anything slip or let goals in and be annoyed every time you concede.
“That is all it is.”