Rangers' new manager banned already over 'disgusting' comments on Celic penalty while in charge of Hearts

Derek McInnes has been handed a four-match touchline ban by the Scottish Football Association following controversial remarks he made about a penalty awarded to Celtic while managing Hearts. The newly appointed Rangers manager described the stoppage-time decision as disgusting, prompting his new club to strongly contest the disciplinary action.

The incident occurred after a Hearts match against Falkirk, when McInnes reacted to a 96th-minute penalty converted by Kelechi Iheanacho. McInnes stated: "When you heard Celtic got a 96th-minute penalty that was going to VAR and they were checking it you just assume what's happened is they get the penalty Having seen it again it's disgusting It is I don't think it's a penalty kick But we re up against it We re up against everybody."

Rangers have staunchly defended McInnes, arguing that his comments were directed at the decision rather than at officials. The club released a statement pointing out that his concerns were widely echoed by various pundits and that similar language has previously been used in Scottish football by others with lesser disciplinary action. Rangers stated: "Respect for officials and legitimate scrutiny are not competing principles Managers players and clubs must be able to speak honestly about major decisions if Scottish football is serious about raising standards and maintaining trust."

The controversial decision generated massive fallout across Scottish football. Referee John Beaton had his personal contact details posted online, leading to police surveillance at his home. However SFA head of referees Willie Collum supported the on-field call, stating there was clear evidence of a punishable handball.

McInnes expressed concern that the ban might lead to self-censorship among managers. He said: "I ve been a manager for 19 years now and part of my job is you know you re going to be asked on contentious decisions and all the rest of it I ve never wanted to make it personal."

Pending appeal, McInnes will miss Rangers' Scottish Premiership campaign opener against Dundee United on July 31, as well as fixtures against Hibernian and a League Cup tie, though he will be permitted on the touchline for their Europa League qualifier against Jagiellonia Bialystok.