Derek McInnes firmly supports Rangers in contesting his four-match touchline ban for labeling the late penalty awarded to Celtic against Motherwell as "disgusting." This incident occurred on May 13, when McInnes was the manager of Hearts, and the contentious stoppage-time spot-kick, converted by Kelechi Iheanacho, played a crucial role in Celtic's 3-2 victory that kept them in the title race.

Following the Scottish FA's decision, which imposes an immediate three-game ban with an additional suspended game, Rangers have expressed their view that McInnes's comments were focused on the decision itself rather than a general criticism of officials.

After a friendly match against St Etienne at Ibrox, McInnes stated:

I don't agree with it and the club don't agree with it. I've been a manager for 19 years and you know you're going to be asked about contentious decisions. I felt as though what I said was controlled.

He emphasized the importance of managers being able to express their thoughts on such pivotal moments. McInnes remarked on the 96th-minute penalty, noting, "Having seen it again, it's disgusting. I don't think it's a penalty kick."

Should the ban remain in place, McInnes will miss the opening match of the Scottish Premiership against Dundee United on July 31, the subsequent home game against Hibernian, and a League Cup match on the weekend of August 15/16. Rangers highlighted that McInnes's concerns reflect widespread sentiments among commentators, noting that similar language has often gone without strict penalties in Scottish football.