NafisaDerek McInnes’ preparations for his first Scottish Premiership campaign as Rangers manager have suffered an unexpected setback after fresh developments emerged surrounding a Scottish FA disciplinary case that could leave him watching his side’s league opener from the stands.
The new Ibrox boss has overseen an aggressive summer rebuild, with Rangers making several high-profile signings as they attempt to wrestle the Premiership title away from Celtic. However, before a competitive ball has even been kicked under McInnes, attention has turned to an off-field issue that could result in an early suspension.
The latest disciplinary action handed out by the Scottish FA has only intensified speculation over what punishment McInnes himself could now receive.
Scottish FA delay McInnes hearing after Elliot Watt punishment
McInnes was charged under Scottish FA Rule 72 following comments he made after the controversial stoppage-time penalty awarded to Celtic during their dramatic 3-2 victory over Motherwell last season while he was still Hearts manager.
The incident proved pivotal in the title race, with Kelechi Iheanacho converting from the spot before Celtic eventually secured the Scottish Premiership crown on the final day.
Following the match, McInnes openly questioned the decision and made his feelings perfectly clear.
“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.”
“Having seen it again, it’s disgusting. It is. I don’t think it’s a penalty kick. But we’re up against it. We’re up against everybody.”
McInnes had been due to discover the outcome of the Scottish FA complaint this week, but according to reports from The Scottish Sun, the disciplinary hearing has now been postponed until 22 July.
The delay comes shortly after the Scottish FA confirmed a four-match suspension for Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt over comments he made about the same incident.
Watt described the award as “the worst VAR decision in history” on social media and has now been sanctioned by the governing body.
Motherwell have also reportedly received a £5,000 fine relating to their own social media activity following the controversy.
The punishments have naturally raised concerns among Rangers supporters that McInnes could also face disciplinary action before the new season gets underway.
Rangers boss could miss Premiership opener
Rangers begin their Scottish Premiership campaign away to Dundee United at Tannadice on 31 July, and there is now uncertainty over whether McInnes will be permitted to take his place in the technical area.
Although no punishment has yet been announced, the outcome of next week’s hearing could determine whether the Rangers boss starts the season on the touchline or in the stands.
The timing is far from ideal given the scale of the rebuilding job currently taking place at Ibrox.
McInnes has already welcomed six new signings, including Lawrence Shankland, Ben Godfrey, Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin and Ivor Pandur, while Rangers continue pushing to add further reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
The pressure is already enormous at Ibrox, with supporters expecting McInnes to deliver immediate success and mount a serious title challenge against Celtic.
Any touchline suspension would represent an unwanted distraction as Rangers prepare for what promises to be a hugely important opening month of the campaign.
For now, the club must wait until 22 July, when McInnes will finally learn whether his outspoken criticism of last season’s controversial VAR decision will result in disciplinary action from the Scottish FA.
Nafisa
