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

Published Jul 28, 04:00 PM UTC

Derek McInnes is expected to be in the dugout for his first match as Rangers manager on Friday night at Dundee United, despite being issued a four-match ban by the Scottish FA. The ban stems from comments McInnes made in May while manager of Hearts, when he described a late penalty awarded to Celtic as 'disgusting'. Rangers have confirmed they will appeal the sanction, arguing that McInnes' comments were directed at the decision itself, not at officials' integrity, and that similar language has previously resulted in lesser or no punishment. The appeal will be lodged before Friday's deadline, allowing McInnes to manage from the touchline until a hearing takes place. The ban was for breaching disciplinary rule 72, which prohibits public criticism of match officials indicating bias or incompetence. Rangers' CEO Jim Gillespie and the club believe the ban should not stand, citing inconsistency in disciplinary application.