GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) – The Scottish Football Association has suspended new Rangers manager Derek McInnes for four games for making critical comments. Disputed penalty That benefited Celtic in last season’s title race.
McInnes, who was Hearts manager at the time, described the stoppage-time penalty decision as “absolutely distasteful” after Celtic cruised to a 3-2 victory over Motherwell in the penultimate game. 56th championship, the most in Scottish League history.
On Wednesday, the Scottish FA handed down a four-game touchline suspension until the end of the 2026-27 season, including one match suspension.
In response, Rangers said they would appeal the ruling.
The Glasgow club said in a statement: “We do not believe that Derek’s views on the decisions that decided the match amount to an attack on the competency or integrity of match officials.” “His comments did not represent broad criticism of officials, but were directed toward the decision. In fairness and taken in context, Derek’s comments did not allege bias, incompetence, or wrongdoing.”
Rangers added: “While the comments predate Derek’s appointment, the club believes the issues at issue are important and should be challenged.”
deep into stoppage time In the penultimate round Celtic drew 2-2 with Motherwell. A penalty was awarded after a video review ultimately determined that the officials had committed a handball by a Motherwell player. Celtic forward Kelechi Iheanacho converted a penalty in the 99th minute.
This victory meant that the title decider would be played at Celtic Park on the final day of the season. Hearts needed at least a draw to clinch their first Scottish league title since 1960, but Celtic scored a late goal to win 3-1.
Rangers, who hired McInnes in June, will open the new league season against Dundee United on July 31st.
Mr McInnes is a former Rangers midfielder and previously coached at Kilmarnock and Aberdeen.
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