Rangers’ Derek McInnes Faces Four‑Match Touchline Ban for ‘Disgusting’ Celtic Penalty Remark

Rangers plan to appeal the four‑match touchline suspension imposed on manager Derek McInnes after he called the late Celtic penalty at Motherwell in May “disgusting.”

The remarks were made at the close of the previous season while McInnes was managing Hearts, concerning a stoppage-time handball spot‑kick that Kelechi Iheanacho converted.

Celtic’s 3‑2 win at Fir Park on 13 May moved them one point behind Hearts, who secured the title a few days later in the decisive final‑day match.

Rangers responded to the Scottish FA’s three‑match ban—one of which is suspended until season’s end—stating that his comments were aimed at the decision itself, not at officials broadly.

In an interview with Sky Sports following a Falkirk victory at Tynecastle that evening, McInnes remarked, “When Celtic received a 96th‑minute penalty slated for VAR review, it seemed certain they were awarded the spot‑kick.”

“It looks disgusting, truly disgusting.”

“I do not believe it was a penalty kick.”

“We are facing a difficult situation; we are up against everyone.”

McInnes is expected to attend the match as Rangers commence the Scottish Premiership away to Dundee United on 31 July.

The same suspension conditions will apply to the subsequent league fixture at home against Hibernian and to a League Cup tie scheduled for the weekend of 15‑16 August.

The suspension does not affect the Europa League qualifier against Polish club Jagiellonia Białystok.

Rangers noted that McInnes’s concerns were shared by many UK commentators and pointed out that similar phrasing has been used by others in Scottish football, sometimes resulting in lighter penalties or no action.

After the dramatic conclusion at Fir Park, referee John Beaton’s contact details were posted online and his home was placed under police surveillance; a teenager was subsequently charged in relation to a data protection offence.

SFA referee chief Willie Collum supported the decision, citing clear evidence that Sam Nicholson’s hand and arm were in an unnatural position, constituting a punishable handball.

Rangers’ statement emphasized that respect for officials and legitimate scrutiny are complementary, not opposing, principles.

“Managers, players and clubs should be able to speak openly about major decisions if Scottish football is committed to improving standards and preserving trust.”

“Scrutiny, transparency and accountability are essential to raising standards, not a threat to them.”

Motherwell and former midfielder Elliott Watt have already faced sanctions for their social‑media comments on the issue.

Watt, now with Turkish club Samsunspor, received a four‑match suspension after calling the decision “the worst VAR decision in history.”

Motherwell were fined £5,000 for releasing a video captioned, “As the world of football mocks our game, we simply have to draw a line in the sand and shift the focus.”

The Scottish FA compliance officer lodged complaints against the three parties under disciplinary rule 72, stating that no recognised football body, club, official, team staff member, player, or other person under SFA jurisdiction may, in an interview, blog, social‑media post, or any other likely‑publicity medium, criticize match officials’ decisions or performance in a manner suggesting bias or incompetence, nor make remarks that impugn an official’s character.

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