Rangers: Derek McInnes faces touchline ban after criticising match officials while at Hearts 31 minutes ago Sky Sports

DEREK MCINNES has been hit with a notice of complaint by the SFA for his comments regarding the awarding of a late penalty to Celtic in the penultimate game of last season.

In a decision that caused uproar far beyond the confines of the Scottish Premiership itself, Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson was adjudged to have handled the ball in stoppage time at Fir Park against the Hoops.

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This was the call that had all of Scottish football – and beyond – talkingCredit: SKY SPORTS
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Derek McInnes was absolutely livid to see Celtic given a penalty on the nightCredit: Getty
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Kelechi Iheanacho tucked away the spot kick to give Celtic the win on the night and help maintain their momentum as they chased down Hearts to claim the title.

McInnes was fuming after seeing the incident and described John Beaton’s call and the role of the VAR team on the night as “disgusting”.

He’s now been cited by Hampden chiefs for his comments which could be deemed in breach of Rule 72 of the SPFL guidelines.

It could mean he is banned from the dugout for the first league games of Rangers‘ season.

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He could be suspended for anything from two to four games.

Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt and the club itself have also been slapped with a notice of complaint.

Jens Berthel Askou made similarly scathing remarks about the officiating but given he has now left for Toulouse, the punishment will instead be handed down to Motherwell as a club.

Watt, like McInnes, could now face a ban.

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The notice for McInnes reads: “Disciplinary Rule 72 – No recognised football body, club, official, Team Official or other member of Team Staff, player or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA, shall in an interview, a ‘blog’ on the internet, on a social networking or micro-blogging site, or in any other manner calculated or likely to lead to publicity (i) 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.

“For the avoidance of doubt this Rule applies (i) whether reported to the Scottish FA by a match official for Misconduct or otherwise, and (ii) where remarks are brought to the Scottish FA’s attention, or of which the Scottish FA becomes aware, by whatever manner or means.

“There shall be a resumption that any material published in such manner was published in the name of and/or with the authority of the person or body bearing to have published the material.”

McInnes, Nicholson and Motherwell will have their hearings on July 16.

The new Rangers boss told Sky Sports after seeing the Nicholson incident: “When you heard Celtic got a 96th minute penalty that was going to VAR and they were checking it, you just assume what’s happened is they get the penalty.

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“Having seen it again, it’s disgusting. It is.

“I don’t think it’s a penalty kick.

“But we’re up against it. We’re up against everybody.

“We’ll be ready for Saturday.”

Asked if the decision would spark a ‘siege mentality’ heading to Parkhead, he added: “I don’t think it’s a penalty kick. There were two more shouts for a penalty kick at our game than Motherwell.”

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Meanwhile, Berthel Askou was utterly baffled by the call.

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou was virtually speechless as he was asked to address the penalty decision.

He told Sky: “I think the big question is what are we even doing here?

“When things like that happen. I’m in total shock.

“I thought I had seen it all this year but apparently I haven’t.

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“It’s shocking. It’s a shame for the game.