Derek McInnes hearing delay explained with Elliot Watt ban already dished out by SFA

Rangers boss Derek McInnes will have to wait to find out whether he faces sanctions from the SFA.

The new Ibrox manager was found to have breached rule 72 of the disciplinary guidelines when criticised the late penalty that Celtic were awarded against Motherwell in May.

That result meant that the title race went to the final day of the season, and his Hearts side ultimately lost out, so it is easy to see why he was frustrated.

Ibrox News already shared that Gers target Elliot Watt has received his ban from the organisation for similar complaints over the incident.

However, McInnes' hearing is set to be delayed until next week, so he will have to wait to find out his punishment.

Keith Hackett has shared the potential reasons that the Gers boss is being made to stir.

What are the reasons for delay with Rangers boss Derek McInnes?

The Scottish Sun reported on Friday that he was set to hear the decision on the same day, but it has now been moved.

Hackett believes that the World Cup and the fact that the Light Blues are away for pre-season will play a factor, and also shared what will determine the potential sanction.

Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the ex-PGMOL chief said: "I guess with the ongoing World Cup that many members of the disciplinary panel are on holiday.

"McInnes may also have a busy pre-season schedule.

"I have sympathy with him because at the time I said that it was an incorrect call by the match officials.

"The amount of suspension he faces can vary on how the disciplinary panel view the submissions by McInnes in his defence."

What punishment could McInnes be given?

If McInnes gets a similar ban to Watt, it will likely be a four-match suspension.

That would see him miss the Scottish Premiership opener with Dundee United on 31 July, the home clash with Hibernian on 9 August, the St Mirren game on 22 August and the visit to Aberdeen on 29 August.

They could choose to be more lenient but it seems unlikely given the punishment that the Motherwell man was handed.

It has bad omens for the Bears boss, and is the worst possible way for his reign to start.