Hughes hits out at ref's chief

Hughes has been serving a ban from the dugout

Falkirk head coach John Hughes has continued his battle with officials by criticising the Scottish Football Association's head of referees.

Don McVicar claimed Hughes was "mischief-making again" over his criticism of Iain Brines following Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Celtic.

"That's a slight on my character," said Hughes. "He is going to have to clarify that. What does he mean by that?

"I have just told the truth and had a go at no-one's character."

Hughes was summoned by the referee at half-time after Brines wrongly thought he had broken rules regarding his touchline ban by delivering a team talk.

The Falkirk boss later said he was considering an official complaint against Brines, which sparked the response by McVicar.

It wouldn't surprise me if they come up with a trumped-up charge for me Falkirk head coach John Hughes

Hughes, talking after his team beat Raith Rovers 3-1 in the Co-operative Insurance Cup second round, has asked his directors to make a complaint over McVicar's comments.

"When I get into trouble, I don't get away with it. I take my punishment like a man," he said.

"He's the head of referees. Donald, do you think I'm a trouble-maker? What's your problem?

"Donald, you have let yourself down."

Hughes will now leave it up to the Falkirk board to act.

"All I want to do is coach my team," he added. "Some of the stuff I saw against Raith Rovers, I need to get back on the training pitch quickly.

"It's up to my board to take it up. The board know I'm a bit of a firebrand, but that's my style.

"I would like to think they back me.

"If I say anything wrong in the paper, I get my knuckles rapped. What have I said?

"It wouldn't surprise me if they come up with a trumped-up charge for me."

The row overshadowed the victory over Rovers, who had Allan Walker sent off by Craig Thomson for a high challenge on Thomas Scobie.

"I have seen them play better, but the important thing is we are through," Hughes said.