Derek McInnes cited for ‘Disgusting’ Celtic penalty comment

New Rangers manager Derek McInnes faces a possible touchline ban after being cited for calling the decision to award Celtic a late penalty at Motherwell "disgusting". The Scottish FA issued the notice of complaint over comments made at the end of last season when McInnes was in charge of Hearts.

Motherwell midfielder Elliott Watt and the club also face a disciplinary sanction from the Scottish FA over social‑media posts concerning the stoppage‑time spot‑kick for handball. The spot‑kick was converted by Kelechi Iheanacho, giving Celtic a 2‑1 win at Fir Park. That victory left Celtic one point behind Hearts, who later overtook them in a title‑deciding match.

All three parties are scheduled to appear before a disciplinary panel on 16 July. Speaking to after a win against Falkirk at Tynecastle, McInnes said, “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. Having seen it again, it's disgusting. I don't think it's a penalty kick.” Elliott Watt described the penalty award as “the worst VAR decision in history”.

Following the incident, referee John Beaton’s contact details were posted online, prompting police to place his home under surveillance. A teenager was subsequently charged in connection with a data‑protection offence related to the posting. The SFA compliance officer cited the complaints under disciplinary rule 72, which prohibits public criticism of match officials that suggests bias or impugns their character.

The upcoming hearing will decide whether McInnes receives a touchline ban and what sanctions, if any, will be imposed on Motherwell and Watt. The Scottish FA’s disciplinary process will consider the cited remarks under its rule on conduct toward officials. Rangers supporters can follow further developments on the club’s news page.