Rangers manager Derek McInnes will serve a reduced two-game touchline ban, with an additional two games suspended, following a successful appeal by the club. The initial four-game suspension, with three games to be served immediately, was imposed for comments made while McInnes was in charge of Hearts last season.
The Scottish Football Association heard Rangers' appeal, resulting in the modified ban. McInnes will miss the upcoming away match against Falkirk and the home game against Motherwell. The suspended portion of the ban will be activated if he commits another breach of disciplinary rule 72 before the end of the current campaign.
The disciplinary case stemmed from comments McInnes made during last season's title run-in, where he described a penalty awarded to Celtic against Motherwell as "disgusting." He is expected to return to the dugout for Rangers' match against St Mirren at Ibrox.
McInnes's reduced ban comes as the team seeks to build momentum after a difficult start to the season. A recent 1-0 victory against Aberdeen provided much-needed relief, securing their first Premiership win of the season. Midfielder Dan Neil attributed this win, in part, to intensive team discussions held during their stay in Aberdeen.
The squad and management were under significant pressure following their elimination from the Europa Conference League play-off by Czech side Jablonec. This exit meant no European football for Rangers this season and contributed to McInnes having only two wins from seven matches since taking over in the summer.
According to Neil, the team spent several days together in Aberdeen, engaging in candid conversations about their performance and the recent European exit. He emphasized the importance of these discussions for building team cohesion and securing the crucial win against Aberdeen. Neil stated that during this period, the entire squad and staff spent time together, focusing on areas for improvement and reinforcing positive aspects of their play.
Neil highlighted that within McInnes's squad, all players have a voice and their opinions are respected. The team aims to address issues collectively to improve their current standing. While acknowledging that not all matches will be aesthetically pleasing, he noted that a recent lack of confidence due to results was natural. He stressed the importance of the team standing up, fighting, and winning duels, as demonstrated in the victory over Aberdeen.