Celtic Vindicated as Derek McInnes Begins Rangers Reign With Touchline Ban

Derek McInnes has not managed Rangers in a competitive domestic match yet, but he has already earned himself a place in the stand.

The new Ibrox manager has received a four-match touchline ban from the Scottish FA. Three matches will take effect immediately, while the fourth remains suspended until the end of the season.

It is an embarrassing start to his Rangers reign. However, it also confirms that his comments about Celtic’s late penalty against Motherwell crossed the line.

CELTIC SUCCESS SPARKED ANOTHER MELTDOWN

McInnes was Hearts manager when Celtic received a stoppage-time penalty at Fir Park. Instead of controlling his frustration, he described the decision as “disgusting” and claimed it felt like Hearts were “against everybody”.

That was not calm analysis. It fed the tired Scottish football narrative that any major decision favouring Celtic must be part of something sinister.

Celtic won the match and continued their title push. McInnes responded by questioning the integrity and competence of officials. Now, the consequences have followed him through the front door at Ibrox.

PERFECTLY SUITED TO THE IBROX MINDSET

Perhaps Rangers have appointed the perfect manager after all.

McInnes arrived with the familiar language of grievance already prepared. Before taking charge of his first league game, he has managed to present himself as another victim of the authorities.

That attitude should fit comfortably at a club where every Celtic victory can produce a fresh conspiracy theory. Rangers supporters regularly demand punishments for others. Yet when one of their own faces discipline, the rulebook suddenly becomes unfair.

CELTIC SHOULD IGNORE THE NOISE

Celtic do not need to apologise for scoring a penalty awarded after a VAR review. They did nothing wrong by taking advantage of a decision made by the officials.

McInnes chose his words. He questioned the process and helped inflame an already poisonous atmosphere around Scottish referees.

Now he will watch Rangers’ opening domestic fixtures from the stand.

For Celtic supporters, there is something fitting about it. McInnes allowed frustration over Celtic’s success to follow him into his new job. Rangers wanted a manager capable of challenging the champions.

Instead, they have one beginning the campaign banned because he could not handle Celtic winning.