Rangers manager Derek McInnes has received a four-game touchline ban from the Scottish FA following his criticism of a late penalty awarded to Celtic last May. The disciplinary action, which includes one suspended match, follows comments McInnes made while managing Hearts regarding a controversial stoppage-time handball decision at Fir Park.
The Disciplinary Ruling and Rule 72
The Scottish FA (SFA) compliance officer issued the complaint under disciplinary rule 72, which prohibits any member of the football community from criticizing match officials in a manner that implies bias or incompetence. The regulation specifically forbids remarks that impinge on his character
or suggest incompetence on the part of such match official.
The suspension does not apply to the club’s Europa League qualifier against Jagiellonia Białystok. If McInnes breaches rule 72 again before the end of the 2026-27 season, the additional suspended game will be enforced.
Comments Regarding the Fir Park Penalty
The controversy stems from a 3-2 victory for Celtic against Motherwell on 13 May, a result that maintained the club’s title pursuit against Hearts. Speaking to Sky Sports following a match against Falkirk on the same night, McInnes expressed frustration over the late VAR intervention that led to the penalty.
“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.”
Derek McInnes, then-Hearts manager, via BBC Sport
The governing body scheduled disciplinary hearings for all involved parties on 16 July.
Broader Sanctions for Motherwell and Elliott Watt
The SFA has not limited its disciplinary actions to the former Hearts manager. Motherwell and their former midfielder Elliott Watt have also been sanctioned for their public reactions to the penalty decision.
Watt, who has since transferred to the Turkish club Samsunspor, received a four-match suspension after labeling the call the worst VAR decision in history.
Meanwhile, Motherwell was fined £5,000 for posting a video on social media with the caption: As the world of football mocks our game, we simply have to draw a line in the sand and shift the focus.
Referee Safety and Data Protection
The aftermath of the match extended beyond disciplinary hearings for club personnel. Following the high-profile nature of the officiating decision, referee John Beaton’s personal contact details were leaked online. The situation necessitated police surveillance of his home. Authorities confirmed that a teenager was charged in connection with a data protection offence
related to the incident.
In defense of the original ruling, SFA head of referees Willie Collum cited clear evidence
of a handball. He pointed to the positioning of Sam Nicholson’s arm, stating that his hand was in an unnatural position
and that the resulting contact
necessitated a penalty kick under current rules.
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