Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Stewart Wilson

Derek McInnes dugout twist ahead of Rangers' Scottish Premiership opener

(Image: STEVE WELSH)

Rangers are hopeful Derek McInnes will be in the dugout for Friday night's Premiership opener against Dundee United despite his recent touchline ban.

The Ibrox boss was handed a three-match suspension last week following comments he made while in charge of Hearts in May, along with a one-game suspended sanction for breaching Rule 72.

The Rangers Review reports that the club will lodge an appeal before travelling to Tannadice, a move that is expected to allow McInnes to take charge for the clash with Jim Goodwin’s side.

McInnes was punished after labelling referee John Beaton’s decision to award Celtic a penalty at Fir Park as "quite disgusting" at the end of last season.

Rangers have already confirmed their intention to challenge the decision, with McInnes also stressing the importance of allowing managers and players to speak openly about key incidents without fear of disciplinary action.

A date for a second hearing is expected to be set in the coming weeks, with the case likely to be heard at Hampden later in the season.


Read more


In a statement released last week, Rangers said: "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."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.