Hearts defender Ryan McGowan faces two-match suspension
- Published
Sproule ended up on the turf after the incident with McGowan
Hearts defender Ryan McGowan is facing a two-match ban by the Scottish Football Association after being found guilty of violent conduct.
The Edinburgh club have until 1500 GMT on Friday to say whether they will accept the offer of the suspension.
SFA compliance officer Vincent Lunny issued a notice of complaint after Heart's 3-1 win over Hibernian.
The Australian's head made contact with Ivan Sproule's stomach as he got up quickly off the ground.
Referee Calum Murray took no action at the time, but Lunny made his complaint after studying footage of McGowan's reaction to a foul by Sproule in the Edinburgh derby.
If Hearts accept the ban, McGowan will miss Saturday's Scottish Cup clash with Auchinleck Talbot and a Scottish Premier League meeting with St Mirren at Tynecastle.
Should the club decide to challenge the punishment, a fast-track hearing is likely to take place next Thursday.