Derek McInnes’ four-match touchline ban has effectively been reduced to two games, with the other two suspended and only to be served if he breaches the same rule again. [Sky Sports]
The controversy began on 13 May when Celtic beat Motherwell 3-2 during the Premiership title run-in.
With the game level deep into stoppage time, referee John Beaton was sent to the monitor following a VAR intervention over a possible Sam Nicholson handball.
A penalty was eventually awarded and Kelechi Iheanacho converted from the spot to secure all three points for Celtic.
McInnes, who was Hearts manager at the time, was furious with the decision.
Speaking afterwards, he said: “It’s actually quite disgusting to be honest.”
He also claimed the situation felt like “us against everybody” as Hearts battled Celtic in the title race.
🚨 BREAKING: Derek McInnes’ immediate touchline ban has been reduced following Rangers’ appeal.
🔵 While the overall four-match suspension remains in place, he will now only serve two of those with immediate effect, while the other two will only be triggered should he breach… pic.twitter.com/fn34rmgXIP
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) August 31, 2026
The rest is history. Three days later, Celtic won the title against Hearts at Celtic Park.
Celtic face Rangers at Ibrox on September 13, with McInnes now set to be in the dugout after Rangers’ appeal was successful.
Despite McInnes’ comments having nothing to do with Rangers, the Ibrox side decided to appeal the punishment, meaning the former Hearts boss will now go head-to-head with Martin O’Neill in the dugout in September.
Given the nature of the comments, a precedent has now been set. However, many Celtic supporters would argue the punishment is not severe enough given the extent of McInnes’ comments.
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