Derek McInnes has hit back at a Scottish FA penalty handed down over comments he made at the end of last season, with Rangers backing their manager’s decision to appeal the ruling. The punishment, an immediate three-game ban with one match suspended until the end of the season, stems from remarks McInnes made while in charge of Hearts following a stoppage-time penalty for handball that was converted by Kelechi Iheanacho.
Rangers argue the comments were “directed at the decision, rather than representing any broader criticism of officials”, and the club add that McInnes’s “concerns were widely shared by other commentators across the UK”. They also claim “similar language has previously been used in Scottish football by others with lesser disciplinary action or without any action at all.”
McInnes, speaking after a friendly victory over St Etienne at Ibrox, was clear in his opposition to the ban. “I don’t agree with it and the club don’t agree with it. I’m glad that we’re going to appeal against that,” he said. “I’ve been a manager for 19 years and you know you’re going to be asked about contentious decisions. I’ve never wanted to make it personal. For me, the decision was wrong.” He also raised concerns about the broader implications for managers, warning against a culture where they feel unable to speak freely. “Broadcasters pay a lot of money to hear managers’ reactions. We’ve got to be careful that we don’t have managers and players who have to really check themselves before answering a question.”
The original remarks were made to Sky Sports after a win against Falkirk at Tynecastle, on the same night Celtic won at Fir Park with a 96th-minute penalty that went to VAR. “Having seen it again, it’s disgusting. It is. I don’t think it’s a penalty kick,” McInnes said at the time, adding: “We’re up against it. We’re up against everybody.”
If the appeal fails and the ban stands, McInnes will be absent from the dugout for Rangers’ Scottish Premiership opener away to Dundee United on 31 July, the subsequent home league match against Hibernian, and a League Cup tie on the weekend of 15/16 August. The episode has unfolded against a troubling backdrop — following the late drama at Fir Park, referee John Beaton’s contact details were posted online, police placed his home under surveillance, and a teenager was subsequently charged in connection with a data protection offence.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
