Despite receiving a four-match ban from the SFA, Derek McInnes will be present in the Rangers dugout for their first match of the season against Dundee United, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The ban was imposed due to comments made by McInnes in May, when he was the manager of Hearts, in which he described a late match-winning penalty awarded to Celtic as "disgusting".
Rangers have lodged an appeal against the ban, allowing McInnes to take his place in the dugout until a hearing is held. McInnes was found guilty of violating disciplinary rule 72, which prohibits public criticism of match officials and decisions. He expressed his disappointment with the verdict, stating that he didn't think the punishment was fitting for the offense. Rangers have released a statement supporting McInnes and arguing that his comments were directed at the decision, not the officials, and that similar language has been used by others in the past without resulting in disciplinary action.