McInnes could miss first Old Firm clash as Rangers boss

Rangers manager Derek McInnes could watch his first Old Firm clash from the stands after the Scottish FA scheduled August 31 for his appeal against a four-match touchline ban.

The ban, with one match suspended, relates to comments McInnes made while managing Hearts last season after Celtic were awarded a late penalty against Motherwell in May.

Celtic converted the stoppage-time spot-kick through Kelechi Iheanacho to secure a 3-2 victory at Fir Park, a result that kept them one point behind Hearts ahead of the final day of the Scottish Premiership.

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McInnes described the decision as “disgusting” and insisted he did not believe the handball warranted a penalty.

Rangers subsequently appealed the disciplinary sanction, arguing that McInnes’ remarks were directed at the decision rather than a broader criticism of match officials.

The Rangers manager has maintained that he disagrees with the ban and believes managers should be able to give honest assessments of controversial decisions.

“I don’t agree with it and the club don’t agree with it. I’m glad that we’re going to appeal against that,” McInnes said.

He added that he had never intended to make the issue personal and believed his comments were controlled despite the emotions surrounding the match.

If the appeal is unsuccessful, McInnes could be forced to watch Rangers’ matches against Falkirk, Motherwell and Celtic from the stands.

The first two fixtures are Scottish Premiership matches, with Rangers visiting Falkirk on September 2 before hosting Motherwell three days later. The potentially crucial Old Firm meeting against Celtic is scheduled for September 13 in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals.

The controversy surrounding McInnes’ comments also led to the publication of referee John Beaton’s contact details online. Police subsequently monitored the official’s home, while a teenager was charged in connection with a data protection offence.

Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum later defended the decision to award Celtic the penalty, saying there was “clear evidence” that Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson had his hand and arm in an unnatural position.

Rangers have continued to argue that criticism of refereeing decisions should remain part of football, while stressing the need for respect towards match officials.