Hughes has been punished for using foul and abusive language towards referee Scott McDonald during Falkirk's 1-0 defeat to St Mirren last weekend.

The pair are thought to have clashed after the game with Hughes upset over Arnau Riera's sending off at Love Street.

The ban is set to start for the clash with Inverness Caledonian Thistle on 10th May and will run into next season meaning Hughes will be in the stands for the opening four games of next term.

Jamie McKeegan of the SFA's disciplinary and referees department said: "John Hughes was the subject of a report from the referee for using offensive, insulting or abusive language and has been given a six-match touchline suspension as a result."