Rangers have escalated their legal challenge against the Scottish FA after submitting formal appeal documentation to fast-track a hearing for manager Derek McInnes. The Ibrox club is fighting to overturn or reduce a three-match touchline ban handed to their new boss over comments made toward the end of last season.
The disciplinary tribunal cited McInnes under Rule 72 after he publicly described a late penalty decision awarded to Celtic as “disgusting” while serving as Hearts manager. The governing body imposed a four-match suspension, with three games to be served immediately at the start of the 2026/27 domestic campaign and a fourth suspended until the end of the season.
Rangers officials launched a stern defense of their manager, arguing in a club statement that McInnes criticized the specific VAR call rather than questioning the personal competence or integrity of match officials. The club also pointed to historical inconsistency in SFA disciplinary rulings, highlighting that similar post-match language by rival managers in recent years resulted in lighter sanctions.
With the Scottish Premiership kickoff fast approaching, Rangers legal representatives are pushing Hampden suits for an expedited hearing. The Ibrox hierarchy is determined to clear McInnes to take his seat on the touchline for the season opener against Dundee United, ensuring the new manager can lead his side from the dugout from day one.