Derek McInnes: Rangers manager could be in stand for first Old Firm game after hearing date set

Derek McInnes could be in the stand for his first Old Firm match as Rangers manager after a hearing date of 31 August was set for his appeal against a four-match touchline ban, one game of which is suspended.

The penalty issued in July relates to McInnes’ spell as Hearts boss last season, when he described as “disgusting” the decision to award Celtic a late penalty at Motherwell in May.

A stoppage-time spot-kick for handball was converted by Kelechi Iheanacho and Celtic’s 3-2 victory at Fir Park on 13 May kept them one point behind Hearts, who they beat to the title a few days later in a final-day decider.

Rangers argued the remarks were “directed at the decision, rather than representing any broader criticism of officials” when announcing their intention to contest the ban.

And McInnes, who could be in the stand for games with Falkirk, Motherwell and Celtic, added: “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.

“I’ve been a manager for 19 years and you know you’re going to be asked about 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.

“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.”

The games against Falkirk away (2 September) and Motherwell (5 September) at home immediately after the hearing are in the Scottish Premiership while the 13 September visit of Celtic is in the quarter-finals of the League Cup.