McInnes receives four-game ban for ‘disgusting’ penalty comment
8 reported
Rangers manager Derek McInnes has been given a four-game touchline ban, with one game suspended, for describing as "disgusting" a late penalty awarded to Celtic in May. The comments were made when McInnes was in charge of Hearts, following a stoppage-time handball decision that led to a Kelechi Iheanacho penalty. Celtic won the match 3-2 at Fir Park on 13 May, keeping them one point behind Hearts before they beat Hearts to the title days later. McInnes will serve the ban from the stands as Rangers open the Scottish Premiership away to Dundee United on 31 July, with the same conditions applying for the next two matches. The Scottish FA ban does not cover the Europa League qualifier against Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok. The SFA compliance officer issued complaints under disciplinary rule 72, which prohibits criticism of match officials that indicates bias or incompetence.
What’s reported
Derek McInnes received a four-game touchline ban, with one game suspended, for calling a Celtic penalty decision "disgusting."
The comments were made after a 13 May match where Celtic beat Motherwell 3-2 at Fir Park on a stoppage-time penalty converted by Kelechi Iheanacho.
McInnes was manager of Hearts at the time; Celtic beat Hearts to the title a few days later.
The ban applies to the first three league games and a League Cup tie, but not the Europa League qualifier.
The SFA compliance officer cited disciplinary rule 72, which bars criticism of match officials indicating bias or incompetence.
Referee John Beaton's contact details were posted online after the match, and a teenager was charged in connection with a data protection offence.
Motherwell and former midfielder Elliott Watt were also sanctioned over social media posts; Watt received a four-match suspension.
Motherwell were fined £5,000 for releasing a video with a caption about the decision.
Key figures
Derek McInnes, Rangers manager (formerly Hearts manager)
Kelechi Iheanacho, Celtic player who converted the penalty
John Beaton, referee
Willie Collum, SFA head of referees
Elliott Watt, former Motherwell midfielder (now at Samsunspor)
Sources: BBC News
