FALKIRK pair Joe McKee and Kevin O’Hara have been carpeted by the SFA over claims they abused Dunfermline ace Dean Shiels over his missing eye.

Hampden beaks issued notices of complaint to the duo over the flashpoint at the Irn-Bru Cup tie last month.

2 Dean Shiels and Kevin O'Hara go face to face Credit: Michael Schofield - The Sun Glasgow

McKee, 25, and O’Hara, 19, have been charged with ‘excessive misconduct’ after the alleged verbal abuse was highlighted by ref Steven McLean.

SunSport understands McKee and O’Hara have been aware of the investigation for almost a month.

Ex-Rangers and Northern Ireland star Shiels, 32, lost sight in his right eye in a domestic accident when he was eight.

He had the eye removed in 2006, after pain from a build-up of burst blood vessels led him to seek professional advice.

2 Sheils celebrates a Dunfermline goal Credit: Michael Schofield - The Sun Glasgow

Shiels bravely resumed his playing career after the op, but landed a red card from ref McLean in the October 7 cup-tie for a wild challenge on McKee on the touchline.

Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston said after the match: “I think there were maybe some poor remarks made towards Dean.”

SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan has now probed the alleged abuse, and published the charges against the duo.

They have been carpeted over Disciplinary Rule 202 — no player shall commit excessive misconduct at a match.

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Both could face lengthy bans if found guilty.

Teenage striker O’Hara will face a disciplinary hearing at Hampden on Thursday, with the case against midfielder McKee to be heard a week later.

A Falkirk statement said: “We note the announcement by the SFA that a notice of complaint has been received regarding two Falkirk players.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further until this process has been completed.”

When the clubs met last weekend, Dunfermline’s Kallum Higginbotham was sent off for swinging an arm at McKee.

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