Joe McKee and Kevin O’Hara charged by SFA over claims Falkirk duo abused ex-Rangers and Dunfermline ace Dean Shiels over his missing eye
Pars star Shiels had his eye removed in an operation in 2006 but has not allowed it to affect his ability to continue playing
FALKIRK pair Joe McKee and Kevin O'Hara are in the SFA dock over claims they abused Dunfermline ace Dean Shiels over his missing eye.
Hampden beaks issued notices of complaint to the duo over the flashpoint during an Irn-Bru Cup tie last month.
McKee, 25, and O’Hara, 19, have been charged with ‘excessive misconduct’ after the alleged verbal abuse was highlighted by ref Steven McLean.
SunSport understands McKee and O’Hara have been aware of the investigation for almost a month.
But SFA top brass agreed to a request from the clubs to delay a full-scale probe until after the teams met again in the league last weekend.
Ex- and Northern Ireland star Shiels, 32, lost sight in his right eye in a domestic accident when he was eight.
He had the eye removed in 2006, after pain from a build-up of burst blood vessels led him to seek professional advice.
Shiels bravely resumed his playing career after the op, but landed a red card from ref McLean in the October 7 cup tie for a wild challenge on McKee.
boss Allan Johnston said after the match: “I think there were maybe some poor remarks made towards Dean.”
SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan has now probed the alleged abuse, and published the charges against the duo.
They have been carpeted over Disciplinary Rule 202 — no player shall commit excessive misconduct at a match.
Both could face lengthy bans if found guilty.
Teenage striker O’Hara will face a disciplinary hearing at Hampden on Thursday, with the case against midfielder McKee to be heard a week later.
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A statement said: “We note the announcement by the SFA that a notice of complaint has been received regarding two Falkirk players.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further until this process has been completed.”
When the clubs met last weekend, Dunfermline’s Kallum Higginbotham was sent off for swinging an arm at McKee.
