Rangers' McInnes to be in dugout for season opener after club appeals SFA ban

Image: Derek McInnes will be in the dugout for Rangers's season opener

Derek McInnes is set to be in the dugout for his first match as Rangers manager on Friday night at Dundee United, live on Sky Sports — despite being issued with a four-match ban last week.

The ban stems from comments McInnes made in May while he was still Hearts manager. The 55-year-old described the decision to award Celtic a late match-winning penalty at Motherwell as "disgusting" as the title race took another twist.

Dundee United vs Rangers

• Date: Friday 31st July
• Coverage starts: 7:00pm
• Kick-off: 8:00pm
• Watch live: Sky Sports Football HD

Appeal Process

Rangers confirmed they intend to appeal the ban, and it is understood the appeal will be lodged by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest, ahead of Friday's deadline. This will allow McInnes to take his place in the dugout until a hearing takes place.

The Disciplinary Charge

McInnes was found guilty of breaching disciplinary rule 72, which forbids individuals from publicly criticising decisions and/or criticising the performance of any match officials in such a way as to indicate bias or incompetence.

He was due to be banned for his first three matches, with the fourth game suspended until the end of the campaign unless he breached the regulations again.

McInnes's Response

Speaking to Sky Sports last weekend, McInnes said he was "very disappointed" by the verdict and "didn't think the punishment fitted the crime."

Rangers' Statement

Rangers released a statement last week confirming they will appeal the sanction, arguing:

• "We do not believe Derek's view on a match-defining decision amounted to an attack on the competence or integrity of match officials."
• "His comments were directed at the decision, rather than representing any broader criticism of officials."
• "Considered fairly and in context, Derek's comments did not allege bias, incompetence or dishonesty."
• "His concerns were widely shared by other commentators across the UK."
• "The Scottish FA's independent Key Match Incident Panel subsequently concluded that the referee's original decision was correct and that VAR should not have intervened."
• "Similar language has previously been used in Scottish football by others with lesser disciplinary action or without any action at all, raising legitimate questions about consistency, precedent and the application of the rules."
• "Although the comments pre-dated Derek's appointment, the club believes the issue at stake is important and must be challenged."
• "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."
• "Scrutiny, transparency and accountability are essential to the integrity of the game."

Related Coverage

• Rangers fixtures: Gers kick off season at Dundee Utd
• Can the new Scottish Premiership season top the best campaign in decades?
• Scottish Premiership: Every match across opening weekend live on Sky Sports
• Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream the Premiership with no contract