Ex-FIFA official spots potential Rangers risk with Derek McInnes appeal

Rangers boss Derek McInnes could face an extended ban from the SFA after his appeal.

That is the verdict from ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, who was responding to the Ibrox manager's reaction to his initial four-game ban, which has one game suspended for a year.

McInnes was handed the suspension for comments he made after Celtic were given a last-gasp penalty in the 3-2 win over Motherwell in May, when he was still in charge of Hearts.

Ibrox News has covered those comments and the potential of a ban for the Rangers boss in detail.

McInnes has now confirmed that he intends to appeal against the suspension that has been handed down to him.

However, he has been warned that may be a risk, as he could be punished even more.

What has been said about Derek McInnes' appeal chances?

McInnes confirmed that he did not intend to provoke the situation, and that he did not agree with the ban in quotes reported by the BBC.

However, Hackett believes that the appeal and his comments raises the risk of a further ban, and he will need significant evidence to overturn it.

Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, he said: "In appealing the four-match touchline ban it brings further conflict between McInnes and his club Rangers versus the Scottish FA.

"It also puts at risk his ban being upgraded to more games.

"In appealing his ban I suggest he needs to bring further evidence in support of his case forward if there is any chance of a reduction in his ban.

"He clearly feels an injustice in the ban and he will be hoping that with fresh evidence and with different members of the disciplinary panel his sentence will be reduced or quashed.

"The alleged words he used out of frustration I am sure will have in his evidence have to be put in context of the decisions on the field of play."

Rangers face a similar frustration over McInnes ban

The Gers's dispute with the SFA will continue to rumble on, likely throughout the season.

They have already tried to secure better quality and more consistent officiating through meetings at board level.

However, nothing has been done to ensure that standards are being raised in the Scottish game.

If McInnes' ban is extended like Hackett states could happen, it will be little surprise to Gers supporters, given their rocky relationship with the organisers.