Rangers manager Derek McInnes could miss his first Old Firm match as manager due to a pending appeal against a four-match touchline ban. A hearing date of August 31 has been set for the appeal.
The penalty stems from remarks McInnes made last season while manager of Hearts, when he described a crucial late penalty awarded to Celtic against Motherwell as "disgusting." The spot-kick, converted by Kelechi Iheanacho, secured a 3-2 victory for Celtic on May 13, a result that kept them one point behind Hearts. Celtic ultimately won the title a few days later in a final-day decider against Hearts.
Rangers contested the ban, arguing that McInnes' comments were "directed at the decision, rather than representing any broader criticism of officials." McInnes himself stated that he does not agree with the ban and is glad the club is appealing.
"I've been a manager for 19 years and you know you're going to be asked about contentious decisions and all the rest of it," McInnes said. "I've never wanted to make it personal. For me, the decision was wrong. I feel as though I made my points at the hearing."
He added that broadcasters expect managers' reactions to significant events and cautioned against a climate where managers must overly scrutinize their words. "At no point was I wanting to inflame a situation. The situation was already being discussed before I did my Press. It was quite a big moment in the season and there was a lot of emotion, but I felt as though what I said was controlled."
If the appeal is unsuccessful, McInnes could be absent from the touchline for games against Falkirk (away, September 2) and Motherwell (home, September 5), both in the Scottish Premiership. The potential ban also includes the League Cup quarter-final match against Celtic on September 13, which would be his first Old Firm fixture as Rangers manager.