NafisaThe Derek McInnes era at Rangers has barely begun, but already the new Ibrox boss is finding himself at the centre of a developing controversy that could have consequences before a competitive ball is even kicked.
Supporters have spent the past week discussing transfer targets, pre-season plans and what McInnes might bring to Rangers following his return to the club. The focus has largely been on rebuilding a squad capable of challenging Celtic and reclaiming domestic dominance after another frustrating campaign.
Yet while attention has been fixed on the future, unfinished business from last season has suddenly come back into the spotlight.
Scottish football remains divided over several major decisions that influenced the dramatic title race, and one incident in particular continues to generate debate months later. Now, comments made in the heat of that championship battle have landed McInnes in hot water with the authorities.
The Rangers manager has officially been hit with an SFA notice of complaint over remarks he made following Celtic’s controversial late victory over Motherwell during the closing stages of the Premiership season.
The incident centred around a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Celtic after a VAR review, with referee John Beaton pointing to the spot after Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson was judged to have handled the ball.
Kelechi Iheanacho converted from 12 yards to secure a dramatic 3-2 win for Celtic, a result that proved hugely significant in the title race.
The victory meant Celtic only required a win against Hearts on the final day to secure the championship, rather than needing to overturn a superior goal difference had they remained three points adrift.
The Hoops eventually defeated Hearts 3-1 at Parkhead to clinch a fifth consecutive Premiership crown, crushing Hearts’ hopes of lifting a first league title in 66 years.
At the time, McInnes — then Hearts manager before his recent move to Rangers — was furious with the decision.
The 54-year-old did not hold back when discussing the award, famously branding it “disgusting.”
He said: “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.”
Those comments have now prompted action from the Scottish Football Association.
McInnes has been charged under Disciplinary Rule 72, which covers instances where individuals are deemed to have questioned the integrity, competence or impartiality of match officials, or made comments capable of damaging their reputation.
The situation has created the possibility that Rangers’ new manager could face sanctions before his first competitive match in charge.
If found guilty, McInnes could potentially be handed a touchline ban, raising the prospect of beginning his Rangers tenure away from the dugout.
The case extends beyond McInnes alone.
Motherwell Football Club and midfielder Elliot Watt have also received notices of complaint relating to comments and social media activity connected to the same controversial fixture.
All disciplinary hearings have been scheduled for July 16.
For Rangers supporters, the timing could hardly be more awkward. McInnes is expected to oversee a major rebuild this summer while preparing the squad for an important campaign, but the possibility of disciplinary action now hangs over the opening chapter of his reign.
Whether the SFA ultimately decides to punish the Rangers boss remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: McInnes’ return to Ibrox has already produced headlines long before the season has even started.
Nafisa
