Rangers Manager Demands Answers on Unpunished Tackle

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has expressed strong dissatisfaction with a tackle made by Celtic midfielder Mika Baur during their recent Premier Sports Cup quarter-final match, stating the club has formally requested an explanation from the Scottish Football Association. The challenge, which occurred during Rangers' 3-0 victory at Ibrox last Sunday, saw Baur make contact with Ryan Naderi's ankle with his studs showing.

Naderi is now considered a doubt for the upcoming league fixture against Celtic at Parkhead due to the severity of his ankle injury. McInnes described the injury as leaving Naderi's ankle "a mess."

At the time of the incident, the on-field officials awarded a free-kick to Celtic, and referee Nick Walsh did not intervene further. McInnes believes that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology should have prompted a review of the tackle. "I’m surprised that the referee wasn’t asked to look at that. I find it strange that he wasn’t," McInnes stated, adding, "Ryan's ankle is a mess. It was a poor challenge."

Rangers chief executive Jim Gillespie has reportedly discussed the matter with Willie Collum at the SFA.

The absence of Naderi, described by McInnes as having no direct like-for-like replacement, would be a significant blow as Rangers aim to close the eight-point gap on Celtic in the league standings. A victory on Sunday could reduce the deficit to just two points heading into the international break.

McInnes also commented on the team's current momentum, noting the "positivity and a feel-good factor" within the club following their cup win. He emphasized the importance of maintaining performance levels and consistency, particularly in scoring at crucial moments. "It was a cup tie last week and it was just about getting through. The fact that we got through and we’ve got a semi-final tucked away now to look forward to is great, but we need to get back on the horse and get ready to deal with league business," he said.

Addressing the prospect of playing at Celtic Park without their own fans present, McInnes downplayed the significance of crowd support, stating that the focus should remain on the game itself. "The game’s a game. I think once the ball rolls, it’s a game of football that we need to concentrate on the detail in and out of possession, what we’re looking to try and do," he explained.

In other team news, McInnes confirmed that Belgian left-back Tuur Rommens has returned to training and is nearing a first-team comeback after a lengthy absence. Another unnamed player is also being monitored for fitness concerns ahead of Sunday's match.