New Rangers manager Derek McInnes is bearing the brunt of a decision that was taken to address concerns about lenient treatment of former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.
The 55-year-old was banned for four games with one suspended following comments made after Celtic's controversial penalty award in the penultimate game of last season against Motherwell.
That night, McInnes branded the decision to penalise Steelmen defender Callum Slattery for handball in the final moments of injury time after a VAR check "disgusting".
Rule 72 of the SFA's Judicial Panel Protocol states no club employee may "criticise the Decision(s) and/or performance(s) of any or all match official(s) in such a way as to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official; or (ii) make remarks about such match official(s) which impinge on his character."
The SFA's sanction for this misconduct was increased from two, four or six games to four, six or eight from season 24/25 after the Judicial Panel Working Group (JPWG) of the SFA felt that a punishment for Rodgers in March 2024 had been too lenient.
The former Celtic manager was given a two match ban with one suspended after he questioned John Beaton's competence following a 2-0 defeat to Hearts in the Premiership.
The Northern Irishman, now working in Saudi Arabia, said of the ref's performance: "I try to respect decisions and give the benefit of the doubt. But I think when I see that level of incompetence, which is the only word I can use, then that makes me worry for the game. VAR is not the problem here. It’s competence."
The JPWG, which comprises three clubs, the SPFL, PFA Scotland and other stakeholders, felt that Rodgers' had escaped lightly and harsher punishments were required as a deterrent for future misconduct.
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Rangers manager Derek McInnes addresses Scottish FA four-match ban
Rangers are appealing the decision and stress McInnes' comments were directed at the quality of the decision and not suggestive of any bias or wider criticism.
While Rangers have said they will directly appeal the sanction, given it's already the lowest possible of four games for a breach of rule 72, they may be looking for an adjustment to the number of games suspended.
A statement read: "Rangers will appeal the sanction imposed on Derek McInnes by the Scottish FA for comments made last season. 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. Respect for officials and legitimate scrutiny are not competing principles.
"Managers, players and clubs must be able to speak honestly about major decisions if Scottish football is serious about raising standards and maintaining trust. Scrutiny, transparency and accountability should be seen as part of improving standards, not as a threat to them."
It's understood that Rangers feel an important precedent was set by the SFA's failure to act when "disgusting" was also used to describe a decision by former Alloa manager Peter Grant.
Back in 2021, no sanction or punishment was applied when he said: "Look at our goal and then the big centre-half comes through and if he gives the goal then the centre-half comes through our centre-forward then okay, he's done it both times. But for the centre-half to come through our centre-forward straight after it, in the same way, and he played on. It's disgusting."
