Derek McInnes has been handed a four-game touchline ban, with one game suspended, after branding the decision to award Celtic a late penalty at Fir Park as "disgusting."
Background to the ban
The 55-year-old was asked for his view on the controversial call to award Celtic a stoppage-time spot-kick away to Motherwell in the penultimate game of last season. McInnes' Hearts team had beaten Falkirk 3-0 at Tynecastle and were set to go to Parkhead for a final day showdown, needing only to avoid a three-goal defeat to be crowned Scottish champions for the first time in 66 years.
However, VAR Andrew Dallas urged John Beaton to award Martin O'Neill's men a penalty deep into stoppage time in North Lanarkshire, which Kelechi Iheanacho scored to keep the Hoops within striking distance.
McInnes' comments
McInnes said afterwards: "When we heard Celtic got a 96th minute penalty that was going to VAR, you just assume they'd get the penalty."
"But having seen it again, it's disgusting. I don't think it's a penalty kick. We are up against everybody and we will be ready for Saturday."
"I don't think it's a penalty kick, there were two more (better) shouts for a penalty kick in our game with Motherwell."
"If I am Motherwell I am disappointed with that having seen it again. I think it's so poor that they have been given that penalty."
"They (Celtic) have been very fortunate and we have to realise we are up against everything. We need to go and deal with the game on Saturday."
Impact on the title race
It proved one game too far for the capital side as Celtic won a bad-tempered decider at Celtic Park 3-1, the third goal sparking a pitch invasion forcing the Jambos to make a hasty exit back along the M8.
Disciplinary outcome
McInnes was cited by the SFA compliance officer last month, and has now learned he'll be forced to watch on from the sidelines for three Rangers games after his disciplinary hearing – with a further one suspended.
He's been found guilty of breaching rule 72 which states that no recognised football body or official shall criticise match officials in a way indicating bias or incompetence, or make remarks impinging on their character.
Former Motherwell midfielder Elliott Watt was also carpeted for his comments in the aftermath. He's been banned for four matches and Motherwell fined £5000. Watt has since joined Samsunspor but the suspension will follow him to Turkey unless FIFA refuse an SFA application to extend it to another league.
