Derek McInnes glad to have Rangers backing in appeal against four-match ban
Derek McInnes is “glad” Rangers have backed him in his appeal against the four-match ban issued for his comments on Celtic’s controversial penalty at Motherwell last season.
The then Hearts boss described the VAR decision to give the Hoops a stoppage-time spot-kick – which proved crucial in the William Hill Premiership title race – as “disgusting”.
McInnes watched the Jambos beat Falkirk 3-0 in the penultimate league game of the season, which meant the Edinburgh outfit would have had to avoid a three-goal defeat at Parkhead on the final day to win the title for the first time since 1960.
However, that scenario changed later that night when Celtic were awarded a penalty by referee John Beaton – after an interjection by VAR Andrew Dallas – deep into added time at Fir Park.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored to secure a 3-2 win that meant Martin O’Neill’s side needed any victory at all on the final day to keep the title in the east end of Glasgow for the fifth successive time, with the Hoops clinching it with another late winner.
Asked for his view of the penalty decision after beating the Bairns, McInnes described it as “disgusting” and he was charged with breaking rule 72 of the SFA disciplinary guidelines and issued with an official notice of complaint.
And on Wednesday the Scottish Football Association announced the new Rangers boss would receive a four-match ban, with one suspended until the end of the season, after which the club announced the appeal.
After a 2-1 friendly win over St Etienne in his first game at Ibrox as manager, McInnes was asked about the suspension.
“Obviously I had my hearing this afternoon and I was pleased to put my points across,” said McInnes, who hopes to add three more players to his squad before the William Hill Premiership opener against Dundee United at Tannadice a week on Friday.
“But I don’t agree with it and the club don’t agree with it. I’m glad that we’re going to appeal against that.
“But with it being an appeal process I’m reluctant and reticent to say any more on that.
“I’ve been a manager for 19 years now and part of my job is… you know you’re going to be asked on contentious decisions and all the rest of it.
“I’ve never wanted to make it personal. For me, the decision was wrong. I feel as though I made my points at the hearing today.
“I do think, in general, broadcasters pay a lot of money to hear managers’ reactions.
“We’ve got to be careful that we don’t have managers and players who have to be really sure of themselves and check themselves before answering a question.
“At no point was I wanting to inflame a situation.
“The situation was already being discussed before I did my press. It was quite a big moment in the season and there was a lot of emotion but I felt as though what I said was controlled. And that’s what the appeal process will now discuss and consider.”