New Rangers manager Derek McInnes was issued a Notice of Complaint by the Scottish FA, jeopardizing his presence on the touchline for the start of the 2026-27 Scottish Premiership season. The charges stem from comments McInnes made on May 13 while he was managing Hearts. He criticized match officials after a controversial late handball penalty was awarded to Celtic against Motherwell.
McInnes publicly branded the referee’s decision as “disgusting” and implied bias in the officiating. The governing body enforces strict rules against bringing the game into disrepute during media interviews. Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt and Motherwell FC as a club were also formally cited over social media posts reacting to the divisive Celtic penalty.
The disciplinary hearings are officially set for July 16. SFA guidelines indicate McInnes faces a potential two-to-four match suspension if found guilty. A ban would force the new manager into the stands during his scheduled competitive debut for Rangers on Friday, July 31, when the team travels to face Dundee United.
This is not the first time McInnes has faced disciplinary action regarding touchline conduct. In May 2019, during his tenure at Aberdeen, the manager served a one-match touchline ban after being sent to the stands for his reaction to sectarian abuse from Celtic supporters during a Scottish Cup semi-final.