Wednesday Apr 30 2008 10:36
Falkirk manager John Hughes has been handed a six-match touchline ban by the Scottish Football Association.
The Bairns boss was reported by referee Scott MacDonald for using offensive language after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at St Mirren.
Hughes, who has already served a four-game ban this season, clashed with the official in the tunnel after the full-time whistle at Love Street.
Speaking after the match in which Arnau Riera was sent off, Hughes was critical of the SFA refereeing chiefs Donald McVicar and Hugh Dallas.
"I'm not having a go at the referee, I'm having a go at the system, at Donald McVicar and Hugh Dallas, who put the guys out there," he said.
"We are in a league of 12 and we've worked hard to get here and we should have the same rights as the others, but why are we lumbered with rookie referees week in, week out?
"Are we getting used as a learning tool? He's had five games all season and is flung in at the deep end.
"He got one or two decisions wrong, especially the sending off which had an impact on the result.
"If he's good enough to referee in the SPL then he should be good enough to referee anyone."
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