New Rangers manager Derek McInnes is set to begin the season in the stands after receiving a four-match ban for comments he made about Celtic's controversial penalty at Motherwell last season while he was Hearts manager.
Ban for 'disgusting' VAR comment
McInnes described the VAR decision to award Celtic a stoppage-time spot-kick, which proved crucial in the Scottish Premiership title race, as 'disgusting'. On Wednesday, the Scottish Football Association announced McInnes would serve a four-match ban, with one match suspended until the end of the 2026-27 season.
McInnes watched Hearts beat Falkirk 3-0 in the penultimate game of the league season, a result that meant they would have needed to avoid a three-goal defeat at Celtic Park on the final day to win the title. However, later that night, Celtic were awarded a penalty by referee John Beaton after VAR intervention by Andrew Dallas deep into added time at Fir Park.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored to secure a 3-2 win for Celtic, meaning Martin O'Neill's side needed any victory on the final day to retain the title, which they did with another late winner.
Disciplinary action
After the Falkirk match, McInnes described the penalty decision as 'disgusting' and was subsequently charged with breaching rule 72 of the SFA disciplinary guidelines. A hearing at Hampden on Wednesday found the charge proven, resulting in the four-match suspension.
Rangers begin their league season away to Dundee United on Friday week. McInnes will be banned from the touchline for that match, as well as home games against Hibernian and St Mirren.
Former Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt also received a four-match suspension for describing the same incident on X as 'the worst VAR decision in history'. Watt, now at Turkish club Samsunspor, was charged with breaching rule 72 for criticising officials.
