SFA probe – Hearts boss Derek McInnes may face an SFA disciplinary probe over comments calling Celtic’s late penalty “disgusting”, but he is expected to coach at Parkhead.
A late Celtic penalty that decided a title-shaping 3-2 win has now put Derek McInnes’ dugout status in doubt, with Hearts facing a sensitive run-in as the Scottish Premiership title showdown approaches.
McInnes was furious after Celtic were awarded a 96th-minute penalty at Motherwell following a clash involving Sam Nicholson and Auston Trusty.. Referee John Beaton was sent to the pitchside monitor after VAR Andrew Dallas referred the incident. but replays were described as inconclusive. leaving the Hearts manager questioning the call.
Kelechi Iheanacho stepped up to score the penalty. completing a last-gasp swing that delivered Celtic the 3-2 victory and ensured that the Premiership title will be decided on the final day.. For McInnes. the immediate aftermath was especially pointed. with the Hearts boss branding the penalty decision “disgusting” and saying he believed “We are up against everybody” and that “I don’t think it’s a penalty.”
While those remarks open the door to possible disciplinary action. any probe into McInnes’ comments is not expected to be fast-tracked.. As a result. he remains free to take charge on Saturday for the title showdown at Parkhead. where Hearts will attempt to secure the crown with the match in their hands.
The potential scrutiny stems from the Scottish FA’s compliance rules covering how officials and team staff comment publicly after matches.. The report pointed to the SFA’s Judicial Panel Protocol and its Rule No 72 and Article of Association 96.1 provisions. which set out restrictions on recognised bodies. clubs. officials. and team staff discussing decisions in ways that suggest bias. incompetence. or remarks that impinge on an official’s character.
Those provisions also include a presumption that any material published online or in other public-facing formats is treated as having been issued with the authority of the person or body responsible.. In this case. it was reported that McInnes did not explicitly suggest bias or incompetence. but the ultimate decision on whether the remarks cross the line would rest with the SFA’s compliance officer.
Crucially for Hearts, the league implications are immediate.. After beating Falkirk 3-0 on Wednesday night. McInnes now travels to Parkhead with his team in a position where a point would be enough to seal the Premiership title.. That means the focus at training ground and on matchday is likely to be on controlling the tempo and managing the emotional pressure that comes from watching the title race tighten after such a late decision.
In this context, any possible disciplinary process carries its own timing challenge for Hearts and the wider race.. Even if the SFA’s consideration takes place after the season. McInnes’ comments may still become a talking point because they came directly in the wake of an incident that was already contentious. then heightened by the VAR review process.
As Parkhead prepares for Saturday’s decisive fixture. the situation leaves McInnes balancing two competing uncertainties: on the pitch. whether Hearts can handle the weight of needing only a point. and off it. whether the words spoken after Motherwell will trigger further attention once the final whistle has been dealt with and the season’s end clears the path for any follow-up.
Derek McInnes SFA probe Celtic penalty Hearts title race VAR controversy John Beaton