NafisaMcInnes has been hit with a four-match touchline ban, with one game suspended, meaning he will miss Rangers’ first three domestic matches of the new season unless the appeal is successful.
The punishment relates to comments he made while Hearts manager following the dramatic defeat to Celtic in the closing stages of last season’s Premiership title race.
The 55-year-old was left furious after Celtic were awarded a controversial last-gasp penalty against Hearts, a decision that proved pivotal in the title battle. Speaking after the match, McInnes branded the decision “actually quite disgusting” and suggested it felt like “us against everybody” after referee John Beaton awarded the penalty following VAR intervention from Andrew Dallas.
Those comments have now landed him in trouble with the Scottish FA, who ruled that he breached disciplinary regulations regarding criticism of match officials.
As a result, McInnes has been banned from the touchline for Rangers’ Premiership opener against Dundee United, the home clash with Hibernian and their League Cup second-round tie, with a fourth match suspended until the end of the season.
Rangers, however, have reacted immediately by launching a strong defence of their new manager and confirming they will appeal the decision.
In an official statement, the Ibrox club insisted McInnes’ comments were directed solely at the controversial decision itself and not at the integrity or competence of Scotland’s referees.
The club said: “We do not believe Derek’s view on a match-defining decision amounted to an attack on the competence or integrity of match officials.
“His comments were directed at the decision, rather than representing any broader criticism of officials. Considered fairly and in context, Derek’s comments did not allege bias, incompetence or dishonesty.”
The incident has once again reignited debate surrounding officiating in Scottish football, with the original controversy coming after Celtic’s dramatic stoppage-time victory over Hearts during a fiercely contested title race.
Despite the setback, Rangers remain determined to fight the punishment through the appeals process in the hope that McInnes will be cleared to take his place in the dugout for the opening weeks of the campaign.
If the appeal is unsuccessful, McInnes will be forced to watch Rangers’ first three domestic fixtures from the stands, although the suspended fourth match will only come into effect if he commits a similar disciplinary offence before the end of the season.
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