Derek McInnes might be forced to watch his maiden Old Firm fixture as Rangers manager from the stands after an August 31 hearing date was scheduled for his appeal against a four-match touchline ban, which includes one suspended game.

The penalty stems from his time managing Hearts last season, specifically when he criticised a late decision to award Celtic a penalty against Motherwell in May, calling the call “disgusting.”

That crucial stoppage-time penalty was converted by Kelechi Iheanacho to secure a 3-2 win for Celtic on May 13, keeping them just one point adrift of Hearts prior to overtaking them for the title on the final day.

Rangers argued the comments were “directed at the decision, rather than representing any broader criticism of officials” when announcing their intention to contest the ban.

McInnes also added, “I don’t agree with it and the club don’t agree with it. I’m glad that we’re going to appeal against that.

“I’ve been a manager for 19 years, and you know you’re going to be asked about contentious decisions and all the rest of it.

“I’ve never wanted to make it personal. For me, the decision was wrong. I feel as though I made my points at the hearing.

“Broadcasters pay a lot of money to hear managers’ reactions. We’ve got to be careful that we don’t have managers and players who have to be really sure of themselves and check themselves before answering a question.

“At no point was I wanting to inflame a situation. The situation was already being discussed before I did my Press. It was quite a big moment in the season and there was a lot of emotion, but I felt as though what I said was controlled.”

The delayed hearing date means McInnes could miss league fixtures against Falkirk and Motherwell, as well as the visit of Celtic to Ibrox in the League Cup Quarter Finals.