New Rangers boss Derek McInnes has been given a four-match ban for describing a VAR decision as “disgusting”.
McInnes hit out at Celtic’s stoppage-time spot-kick during his time as Hearts boss, with the call putting his title rivals in a much stronger position heading into the final day.
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) announced McInnes would receive a four-match ban, with one suspended until the end of the season.
The incident in question occurred deep into stoppage time at Fir Park, where referee John Beaton awarded Celtic a penalty following an intervention by VAR official Andrew Dallas.
Kelechi Iheanacho converted the spot-kick to seal a 3-2 victory for Martin O’Neill’s side, a result that dramatically altered the complexion of the championship battle.
Rather than needing to overcome a specific margin of defeat, Celtic then required just any win on the final day of the campaign to retain the Premiership trophy and secure a fifth consecutive league title.
They did just that against Hearts, who had been challenging for the league title all season.
McInnes had earlier that evening watched his Hearts side dispatch Falkirk 3-0 in the penultimate round of Premiership fixtures.
Derek McInnes has been given a four-match ban
|
PA
The result left the Gorgie club needing only to avoid a three-goal loss at Parkhead on the final day to claim their first league championship since 1960.
The Celtic penalty at Fir Park, however, fundamentally reshaped the equation.
When asked about the VAR call in the aftermath of the Falkirk victory, McInnes used the word “disgusting” to describe the decision, prompting the SFA to issue a formal Notice of Complaint.
Wednesday’s hearing at Hampden found the charge proven.
McInnes joined Rangers following his success with Hearts
|
PA
The three-match effective ban means McInnes will be absent from the dugout when Rangers travel to Dundee United on Friday week for their Premiership opener, and will also miss subsequent home fixtures against Hibernian and St Mirren.
McInnes was not the only figure punished for criticising the Fir Park penalty.
Former Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt, who has since moved to Turkish outfit Samsunspor, was handed an identical four-match suspension after labelling the incident “the worst VAR decision in history” on his X account.
Watt was also found to have violated rule 72, which prohibits criticism of match officials or remarks that impinge upon a referee’s character.
McInnes said goodbye to Hearts after guiding them to a runners-up finish last season
|
PA
McInnes will be on the touchline for Rangers Europa League qualification phases, which gets going on August 6.
His side travel to face Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland, just shy of a week after their league opener.
Rangers currently have a couple more friendlies scheduled against Saint-Etienne tonight and West Ham on Sunday.
