Cowdenbeath boss Colin Nish could be banished to the stands for Saturday’s fixture against Stranraer as the Blue Brazil fight for their League One lives.
The 35-year-old will appear at Hampden Park today after being charged with a breach of disciplinary rule 72 by SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan following a tempestuous 1-0 defeat against Dunfermline last month.
Nish was dismissed from the dugout by referee Stephen Finnie after protesting the award of the free-kick which led to Rhys McCabe’s winning goal.
Cowden assistant boss Jason Dair and Dunfermline gaffer Allan Johnston were also dismissed during a fiery 90 minutes but neither faced further punishment from the SFA.
Nish’s case was originally slated to be heard on April 13 but was delayed in order to allow the Central Park outfit more time to gather evidence for their defence.
The former Kilmarnock and Hibs striker was hit with a suspended one-match ban back in January following another Fife derby against Dunfermline, meaning if he is found guilty today that suspension is likely to immediately come into force.
That would be a hammer blow for Cowden, who know a defeat against Stranraer will condemn them to a relegation play-off.
Rivals Brechin City, meanwhile, have received a double boost ahead of their crucial clash with Forfar after defender Paul McLean and midfielder Gary Fusco, who was part of the Blue Brazil’s title-wining side in 2006, signed on for another season.
A win for the Glebe Park men over the relegated Loons would keep Brechin safe.