Full Breakdown
Derek McInnes Faces Potential Touchline Ban Over “Disgusting” Penalty Comment
6/23/2026, 11:20:42 PM
The Incident That Sparked the Complaint
In the penultimate Scottish Premiership match of the 2025-26 season, Celtic were awarded a 96th-minute penalty at Motherwell’s Fir Park after referee John Beaton, following a VAR review by Andrew Dallas, judged Motherwell midfielder Sam Nicholson to have handled the ball. Kelechi Iheanacho converted the spot-kick, reducing Celtic’s deficit to one point ahead of Hearts before the final round, where Celtic ultimately secured the title.
Hearts manager Derek McInnes, still in charge of Hearts at the time, described the decision as “disgusting” in a post-match interview with Sky Sports. Motherwell’s official X account posted, “As the world of football mocks our game, we simply have to draw a line in the sand and shift the focus,” while midfielder Elliott Watt labelled the call “the worst VAR decision in history.”
SFA Disciplinary Action and Potential Sanctions
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) compliance officer issued a Notice of Complaint to McInnes, Motherwell Football Club, and Elliott Watt under disciplinary rule 72, which prohibits public comments that suggest bias, incompetence, or impinge on a match official’s character. The notice cites the specific language used by each party.
If found guilty, McInnes faces a minimum four-match touchline ban, which could include Rangers’ Premiership opener at Dundee United on 31 July and up to three additional fixtures. Motherwell could be fined between £1,000 and £100,000, while Watt also faces a possible four-match ban. All three cases will be heard by an SFA judicial panel on 16 July.
Official Responses from the Scottish FA
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell condemned the broader reaction, stating: “It is just not right, it is fundamentally not right.” The compliance officer’s notice reiterated rule 72, emphasizing that “no recognised football body, club, official … shall … criticise the decision(s) … in a way as to indicate bias or incompetence … or make remarks … which impinge on his character.”
Criticism and Opposition from Clubs and Players
McInnes defended his remarks, saying he “shouldn’t be commenting on another game, but having seen that, it feels like us against everybody.” Watt’s social-media post reflected frustration with the VAR process, while Motherwell’s club statement framed the incident as part of a wider “mocking” of the sport. Critics argue that such public criticism undermines referee safety; police later placed John Beaton under surveillance after his contact details were circulated online, leading to a teenager being charged with a data-protection offence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Having seen it again, it's disgusting.” — Derek McInnes, former Hearts manager (now Rangers)
- “the worst VAR decision in history” — Elliott Watt, Motherwell midfielder
- “As the world of football mocks our game, we simply have to draw a line in the sand and shift the focus.” — Motherwell Football Club (X post)
- “It is just not right, it is fundamentally not right,” — Ian Maxwell, SFA chief executive
- “How anyone thinks that is acceptable is an absolute disgrace.” — SFA official (quoted in coverage)
What Happens Next
The SFA judicial panel will consider the complaints on 16 July and determine any sanctions. A confirmed ban would prevent McInnes from managing Rangers from the touchline for at least the opening league fixture, potentially affecting the club’s early season preparation. Motherwell and Watt await their own rulings, which could include financial penalties and match suspensions.
