Rangers come out swinging over Derek McInnes touchline ban as SFA asked consistency question

McInnes - who was Hearts manager when the offence was committed - was furious after Celtic were awarded a controversial penalty on the penultimate day of the 25/26 Premiership campaign. Motherwell midfielder Sam Nicholson’s handball in a game against the Hoops allowed Kelechi Iheanacho to score an injury-time penalty for Celtic at Fir Park, and meant Hearts needed a draw on the final day at Parkhead to become champions, rather than losing narrowly.

Celtic won 3-1 and the title with McInnes labelling the call made by referee John Beaton and VAR official Andrew Dallas as ‘disgusting.’ He has been handed a three-game immediate ban with one suspended, but Rangers claim similar incidents have played out without punishment, raising questions over the ban. Disciplinary Rule 72 is what McInnes is deemed to have breached, which states in formats like post-match interviews, officials shall not criticise in such a way that may ‘indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official or make remarks about such match official(s) which impinge on his character.’

Why have Rangers appealed Derek McInnes’ ban?

A statement reads: “Rangers will appeal the sanction imposed on Derek McInnes by the Scottish FA for comments made last season. We do not believe Derek’s view on a match-defining decision amounted to an attack on the competence or integrity of match officials. His comments were directed at the decision, rather than representing any broader criticism of officials. Considered fairly and in context, Derek’s comments did not allege bias, incompetence or dishonesty.

“His concerns were widely shared by other commentators across the UK. The Scottish FA’s independent Key Match Incident Panel subsequently concluded that the referee’s original decision was correct and that VAR should not have intervened. Similar language has previously been used in Scottish football by others with lesser disciplinary action or without any action at all, raising legitimate questions about consistency, precedent and the application of the rules.

“Although the comments pre-dated Derek’s appointment, the club believes the issue at stake is important and must be challenged. Respect for officials and legitimate scrutiny are not competing principles. Managers, players and clubs must be able to speak honestly about major decisions if Scottish football is serious about raising standards and maintaining trust. Scrutiny, transparency and accountability should be seen as part of improving standards, not as a threat to them.”