Derek McInnes is set to start his Rangers tenure away from the touchline after the Scottish FA imposed a four-match suspension, one of which is suspended, for remarks about a VAR-related Celtic penalty last season.
The case dates back to McInnes’s time at Hearts, when he criticised the decision that led to Celtic being awarded a late spot-kick at Motherwell. The Scottish FA charged him under rule 72, and a Hampden hearing found the case proven.
The immediate impact is on Rangers’ early league schedule. Based on the reported sanction, McInnes would be absent from the touchline for the away match at Dundee United and home games against Hibernian and St Mirren, while the remaining match is suspended until the end of the 2026-27 season.
The same incident has already drawn another disciplinary outcome, with former Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt also receiving a four-match suspension for comments on social media. For editors and supporters, the broader issue is how football authorities balance criticism of officiating with rules designed to protect referees and VAR officials.
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