Derek McInnes could be in stand for first Old Firm as Rangers manager over Celtic penalty comments

Derek McInnes could be in the stand for his first Old Firm match as Rangers manager over comments on Celtic’s controversial penalty at Motherwell last season.

It comes after a hearing date of August 31 was set for his appeal against a four-match touchline ban, one game of which is suspended.

The penalty issued in July related to McInnes’ spell as Hearts boss last season.

A stoppage-time spot-kick for a controversial handball was converted by Kelechi Iheanacho, and Celtic’s 3-2 victory at Fir Park on May 13 kept them one point behind Hearts, who they beat to the title a few days later in a final-day decider.

The then-Hearts boss described the VAR decision to give Celtic the spot-kick – which proved crucial in the Scottish Premiership title race – as “disgusting”.

In July, the Scottish Football Association announced McInnes would receive a four-match ban, with one suspended until the end of the season.

However, after McInnes moved to Glasgow, Rangers contested the ban and argued the remarks were “directed at the decision, rather than representing any broader criticism of officials”.

A hearing date has now been set for August 31.

If the ban is upheld, McInnes could be in the stand for games against Falkirk, Motherwell and Celtic, which would be his first Old Firm since making the move to Glasgow.