PAISLEY, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Kris Boyd chats with Hearts Head Coach Derek McInnes during a William Hill Premiership match between St Mirren and Heart of Midlothian at the SMiSA Stadium, on February 03, 2026, in Paisley, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
On July 22 the SFA issued Derek McInnes with a three match touchline ban.
That decision was appealed allowing the former Hearts boss to be in the dug-out for the opening matches at his new club.
For reasons known only to themselves the SFA will hear the appeal from McInnes on August 31.
Allowing him to be in the dug-out for four domestic matches that would have covered the ban.
It seems that the SFA have been very accommodating of McInnes, allowing him to settle in with his new employer before facing justice for his comments about a match that didn’t involve his team.
After a 3-0 home win over Falkirk McInnes stated that a penalty awarded to Celtic at Motherwell the same night was disgusting.
Sky Sports reported McInnes saying:
I think it’s disgusting. I don’t think it’s a penalty kick but we’re up against it, we’re up against everybody and we’ll be ready for Saturday.
On the Saturday Hearts lost two late goals away to Celtic to lose the SPFL title. A few weeks later McInnes bailed out, moving to the third placed team at Ibrox.
THE DECISION THAT MCINNES FOUND DISGUSTING
The decision that upset McInnes was a very straightforward penalty decision.
Only Sam Nicholson knows why he decided to elbow Auston Trusty in the face then use his hand to block a throw-in.
The only disgusting aspect was John Beaton deciding not to award a penalty. Fortunately VAR was on hand to correct the on-field decision from the match referee.
? The appeal hearing over Derek McInnes’ touchline ban will take place on August 31. ??? pic.twitter.com/tiNYJxpR1l
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) August 24, 2026
As usual with the SFA there has been no explanation for delaying the appeal heading by five weeks. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Monday’s appeal is also delayed.
In-between times the hot head boss has been in the dug out for matches against Dundee United, Hibs and St Mirren. On Sunday he’ll be in the dug out away to Aberdeen.
The possible suspension has had no impact on McInnes or his temper. If anything the delay has given him fresh grounds to overstep the mark.
After drawing 1-1 away to Dundee United he marched onto the pitch at full time for any angry confrontation with Nick Walsh.
The SFA have opted to take no action over that incident.
Reducing the suspension down to two matches is the expected outcome.
‘At no point was I wanting to inflame a situation’
Rangers manager Derek McInnes on appealing his four-game touchline ban ??#BBCFooball pic.twitter.com/q0ffoFrSF5
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) July 23, 2026
Ok Derek, your answer was controlled..agreed 100%.
Meaning it wasn’t entirely emotional…it was a considered accusation then? Well played sir, well played. ????
When is the hearing for Mcinness together with the hearts Chair and Directora for their disgusting behavior at Celtic park on the last day of the season … Their attempts to insite hatred went above and beyond any level that we have witnessed in some time… Oh wait the huns attacking our staff and supporters at Ibrox… The list is long
Do Sevco drop into the Eurovision Song Contest if they lose on Thursday?
Best comment in years. ???
Best comment in years. ???
I don’t think he will be about as a manager at any club to serve the punishment,he will get bagged before the hearing.
Should they crumble aka BOTTLE IT,come Thursday night he is tattie bye,and no ban will kick in.
31st August – SFA Statement reads:
‘On appeal our decision is that your ban shall be reduced to two games so that you are free to be in the dug out to face Celtic both home and away’.
I promise that’ll be the case.