McInnes faces touchline ban for first Old Firm as Rangers manager — appeal hearing set for 31 August
Derek McInnes will appeal a four-match touchline ban on 31 August, seven days before his first Old Firm match as Rangers manager — a fixture he could be forced to watch from the stand if the punishment stands.
The ban, issued in July, relates to comments McInnes made during his spell as Hearts manager. After Celtic beat Motherwell 3-2 at Fir Park on 13 May — a game settled by Kelechi Iheanacho's stoppage-time penalty — McInnes called the late penalty award "disgusting." That result kept Celtic one point behind Hearts before they went on to win the title in a final-day decider a few days later. BBC Sport
A touchline ban means a manager cannot stand in the technical area beside the pitch during matches, communicating instead from a seat higher in the stadium. McInnes' suspension covers four matches, though one game is suspended — meaning he would serve three if the appeal fails.
Rangers announced their intention to contest the ban, arguing that McInnes' remarks were "directed at the decision, rather than representing any broader criticism of officials." BBC Sport
If the ban is upheld, McInnes could be in the stand for Rangers' Premiership trip to Falkirk on 2 September, the home match against Motherwell three days later, and the visit of Celtic on 13 September. That Celtic fixture is a League Cup quarter-final — a knockout tie where there is no second chance.
The Scottish FA's disciplinary updates page lists McInnes' Appellate Tribunal hearing for Thursday, 3 September 2026, recording him as Manager of Rangers FC (formerly Heart of Midlothian FC). Scottish FA
The most recent BBC reporting, published on 24 August, gives the hearing date as 31 August. Where the two sources differ, the BBC's dated article takes precedence here.
In the meantime, McInnes is free to lead from the touchline in Rangers' match against Dundee. The suspension does not begin until the appeal process concludes. Yahoo Sports
For Rangers fans, the stakes are straightforward. Their new manager — appointed this summer — could walk into the biggest fixture in Scottish football watching from the stands, unable to cajole players, make a substitution in person, or react to a moment as it unfolds. The hearing on 31 August will decide whether McInnes patrols the touchline at Ibrox on 13 September or sits somewhere above it, reduced to relaying instructions through his coaching staff.
The irony is hard to miss. The ban stems from a penalty awarded to Celtic. The fixture it could cost him is against Celtic.
