Falkirk: Kevin O'Hara banned for abusing Dean Shiels about having one eye

The incident occurred after Dean Shiels, second right, was sent off for a challenge on Joe McKee, left

Falkirk forward Kevin O'Hara has been given an eight-game ban for taunting Dunfermline midfielder Dean Shiels about him only having one eye.

O'Hara, 19, was charged with "excessive misconduct" by a Scottish FA tribunal after the incident in a Challenge Cup match on 7 October.

In 2006, Northern Irishman Shiels had surgery to remove his right eye, which was damaged in a childhood accident.

O'Hara's team-mate Joe McKee, 25, has been charged with the same offence.

However, BBC Sport understands he intends to protest his innocence before a separate three-man tribunal on 16 November.

Under the Scottish FA rules, there are three potential sanctions for "excessive misconduct" - bans of four, eight or 12 matches.

Shiels was sent off in the match for a challenge on McKee, who played under Shiels' father Kenny at Morton in 2014.

Referee Steven McLean mentioned the incident in his match report after being informed of it post-match by Dunfermline players and staff.

O'Hara, who is an academy product and has made 15 first-team appearances for Falkirk, requested that his case was brought forward.

Falkirk have not yet appealed against his sanction, saying: "The club take note of the decision and are in the process of requesting the written reasons. No further comment will be made at this time."

All three players were involved when the sides drew 1-1 last Saturday, albeit O'Hara was an unused substitute. The clubs next meet on 23 December.