Rangers’ new boss faces four-match ban after controversial VAR remarks on Celtic's penalty decision.
Derek McInnes, Rangers' new manager, will start the season from the stands instead of beside the touchline. The former Hearts coach railed at the 'disgusting' VAR decision to award Celtic a stoppage-time spot-kick in their Scottish Premiership title race showdown against Motherwell last season.
According to reporting by The Guardian - Football, McInnes voiced his frustration with the VAR verdict after beating Falkirk 3-0 and was subsequently charged under SFA disciplinary guidelines. A hearing at Hampden found him guilty of misconduct and handed a four-match suspension, with one match suspended until the end of the 2026-27 season.
New Rangers’ Manager to Serve Ban
Rangers begin their league campaign away against Dundee United on Friday week. McInnes will miss that encounter along with two home matches against Hibernian and St Mirren as a result of his ban, starting the next fixture in isolation from the action.
Key Timeline for the Ban
The controversial call affected the title race scenario, where Martin O’Neill’s Celtic managed to win 3-2 due to the VAR-influenced penalty. The incident happened late in the game and altered the Hearts' potential championship hopes as they clinched their first title since 1960 on the final day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will McInnes be banned from coaching Ranger's matches?
McInnes will miss four home and away games before facing another suspension at the end of the current season for a further match.
Why was this VAR decision considered so controversial by players/coaches?
The late penalty awarded to Celtic disrupted what seemed a win for Hearts, shifting the tides in a highly competitive title race despite clear debate over its fairness and application.