NafisaThe arrival of a new manager is usually accompanied by excitement, fresh ideas and optimism about what lies ahead. Rangers supporters have experienced all of that over the past week following Derek McInnes’ appointment, with attention quickly shifting towards transfer plans, pre-season preparations and the club’s ambitions for the upcoming campaign.
However, while most of the focus has centred on what McInnes will bring to Ibrox on the pitch, developments away from the touchline could potentially create an early complication for the new boss.
The former Hearts manager was expected to begin his Rangers reign with a clean slate, but events from the closing stages of last season have now resurfaced. As Scottish football continues to review several controversial incidents from the title run-in, disciplinary matters remain very much on the agenda.
That has now placed McInnes in an unexpected position before he has even taken charge of a competitive fixture for the Light Blues.
Derek McInnes could be banned from the dugout for the beginning of his Rangers spell after being served with a notice of complaint by the Scottish Football Association.
The charge relates to remarks the former Hearts manager made regarding the dramatic penalty awarded to Celtic in their 3-2 victory over Motherwell during the penultimate round of Premiership fixtures.
The decision by referee John Beaton to penalise Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson for a handball following a VAR review, which allowed Kelechi Iheanacho to convert a stoppage-time winner, carried enormous significance in the title race.
The outcome ensured Celtic only needed any victory over Hearts on the final day to secure the championship, rather than requiring a three-goal winning margin had they remained three points behind.
Celtic eventually defeated Hearts 3-1 at Parkhead to claim a fifth consecutive league title and deny the Tynecastle club a first championship in 66 years.
McInnes, who completed his move from Hearts to Rangers last week, was highly critical of the decision at the time.
He branded the penalty award “disgusting” adding: “When you heard Celtic got a 96th minute penalty that was going to VAR and they were checking it, you just assume what’s happened is they get the penalty.
“I don’t think it’s a penalty kick. But we’re up against it. We’re up against everybody.”
The SFA has now charged McInnes with breaching Disciplinary Rule 72, which covers individuals who “indicate bias or incompetence on the part of a match official” or make comments that “impinge on his character.”
The disciplinary process has not stopped with McInnes.
Motherwell Football Club and midfielder Elliot Watt have also received separate notices of complaint relating to social media activity and comments made following the controversial encounter with Celtic.
The hearings for all parties involved have been scheduled for July 16.
Should the case result in sanctions against McInnes, Rangers could find themselves beginning the new season without their newly-appointed manager present in the technical area.
That would be far from the ideal start for a club looking to build momentum under fresh leadership, particularly as McInnes attempts to establish authority and implement his methods during the crucial opening weeks of his tenure.
While Rangers supporters will undoubtedly be more focused on transfer business and preparations for the season ahead, the outcome of next month’s hearing could become one of the first major talking points of the McInnes era.
Nafisa
