Recent history proves McInnes will fume at new SFA announcement on Rangers v Hearts

Derek McInnes has never been shy about telling referees what he thinks, and the SFA knows it. Whoever the governing body names to take charge of Rangers against Hearts, the Ibrox boss is unlikely to greet the news with a shrug.

The roots of this go back to the final week of last season, when McInnes was still in charge of Hearts. He described a stoppage-time penalty award to Celtic at Fir Park as “disgusting” and said it felt like us against everybody. The call by referee John Beaton and VAR official Andrew Dallas meant Hearts needed only a draw at Parkhead to become champions, rather than losing narrowly. Celtic won the title on the final day, and McInnes has not let the memory fade. (scotsman) (scotsman)

The aftermath has followed him to Ibrox. He was handed a touchline ban for criticising match officials, even though the comments came while he was still at Hearts. Rangers argued his remarks were aimed at the decision rather than officials in general, and that similar language had been used by others with lighter punishment or none at all. The appeal brought only a partial success, with the ban reduced rather than overturned. (derek mcinnes rangers manager handed four match touchline ban for criticism of match officials while in charge at hearts +2)

That history matters here. A manager who has been punished once for speaking his mind, and who believes the punishment was inconsistent, has plenty of reasons to bristle when the SFA names its officials for a fixture involving his old club. The fixture itself carries obvious emotional weight, pitting him against the players he left behind and the club he guided to within touching distance of a title.

McInnes will likely be careful about how he phrases any frustration. Having already been sanctioned once, he knows another outburst could cost him more time in the stands. Even so, expect the raised eyebrows and the tight-lipped press conference. Recent history suggests a quiet reaction would be the real surprise.