Touchline ban reduced for Rangers manager McInnes

What the report says

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has had a touchline ban cut to two matches, with two further games suspended, after an appeal against the original sanction. The Scottish FA punishment stemmed from comments he made in a television interview about a stoppage-time Celtic penalty while he was still Hearts manager last season.

BBC Sport reports that McInnes will miss Rangers’ domestic trips to Falkirk and their home match against Motherwell, before returning to the dugout for the rescheduled visit of St Mirren to Ibrox on 9 September. The original four-game ban, with one suspended, was announced in July and related to remarks he made after Celtic were awarded a late spot-kick against Motherwell in May. McInnes described the call as “disgusting” and said his side were “up against everybody.”

Rangers argued on appeal that the comments were aimed at the refereeing decision itself rather than at match officials in general. In its July statement, the club said players, managers and clubs should be able to speak honestly about major decisions, while still respecting officials. BBC Sport notes that Scottish FA refereeing chief Willie Collum later said there was clear evidence supporting the handball decision.

The reduced suspension means McInnes will now be absent for fewer fixtures, but the case highlights the ongoing tension in Scottish football between criticism of officiating and disciplinary action for public comments.