Celtic legend Peter Grant has launched a fierce critique of the Scottish FA's decision to reduce Rangers manager Derek McInnes's touchline suspension. Grant's comments, reported by the Daily Record Football this week, question the rationale behind the partial overturn of a four-match ban initially handed to McInnes.
McInnes received the original sanction for comments made after Hearts' 3-0 victory over Falkirk, which referenced a penalty awarded to Celtic's Kelechi Iheanacho in a separate match against Motherwell. The SFA subsequently heard an appeal and reduced the punishment to a two-game immediate ban with a further two matches suspended. McInnes will now serve his suspension during fixtures against Falkirk and Motherwell, returning in time for the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final clashes with St Mirren and Celtic.
Why did Peter Grant criticise the SFA?
Peter Grant, a key figure in Celtic's history, expressed bewilderment at the appeal panel's ruling. He directly challenged the basis for reducing the ban, asking what McInnes had done since the initial incident to merit leniency. "(I'm) surprised, and I'm not just saying that because he's the Rangers manager, I'd say the same for any manager," Grant stated. "What has he done since that has made them (the SFA) cut that back?"
Grant speculated whether good behaviour in recent games influenced the decision, a notion he found unconvincing. He contrasted this with his own experience, recalling an incident at Alloa for which the SFA later apologised after it cost him dearly. The former midfielder stressed that McInnes's comments were about a match 60 miles away from his own team's game, which he felt made the original punishment appropriate.
What was Rangers' motive for the appeal?
A central part of Grant's argument probes the motive behind Rangers launching the appeal in the first place. He suggested the Ibrox club's support for their manager was directly connected to the outcome of last season's Premiership title race. Celtic clinched the championship with a final-day shootout victory over Motherwell at Parkhead.
Grant claimed Rangers would not have backed McInnes's appeal if either Rangers or Hearts had won the league last season. His implication is that the appeal was a strategic move in the aftermath of Celtic's triumph, rather than being solely about the merits of the case. This adds a layer of Old Firm rivalry to the disciplinary proceedings, framing them within the context of the ongoing battle for supremacy in Scottish football.
How does this fit with Celtic's current season?
The controversy emerges as Celtic enjoy a strong start to the new Premiership campaign. The team currently sits first in the table with a perfect record of nine points from three wins. Brendan Rodgers's side has scored eight goals while conceding only two, giving them a healthy +6 goal difference. They hold a two-point lead over nearest challengers St Mirren as they build momentum.
This solid early-season form provides the backdrop to the ongoing narrative around officiating and disciplinary decisions. The team's focus will soon shift to their next fixture, a home match against Motherwell on December 26th. Motherwell currently occupies sixth place in the standings, making it a potentially tricky encounter. Fans can track the full schedule on our fixtures page and view the latest table on our standings section.
What happens next for McInnes and Rangers?
The practical outcome sees Derek McInnes banned from the touchline for two specific matches. He will miss the technical area during games against Falkirk and Motherwell. His return is slated for the cup ties against St Mirren and Celtic, which carry significant importance for Rangers' season.
The reduction means the Rangers boss will be present for the upcoming derby clash with Celtic, a fixture that always attracts intense scrutiny. Grant's comments ensure this disciplinary episode will be a talking point when the two rivals next meet. The suspended portion of the ban will hang over McInnes for future matches, adding pressure for sideline conduct.
Celtic's squad, detailed on our squad page, continues its title defence from a position of strength at the summit. The next challenge is a Boxing Day meeting with Motherwell at Celtic Park.
