Out of work Gary Locke to contest dugout ban after being sent off during Raith Rovers’ Scottish Cup defeat at Hearts

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Former Raith Rovers manager Gary Locke is challenging a one-match touchline ban, just a fortnight after losing his job at Stark’s Park.

Scottish FA compliance officer Tony McGlennan issued Locke with a Notice of Complaint after the 41-year-old was sent to the stand during extra-time in last month’s 4-2 Scottish Cup replay defeat to Hearts.

Locke had been disappointed that referee John Beaton awarded the Gorgie outfit two converted penalties during the fourth round clash.

After the game, Locke said: “They got two penalties and I’ll have to see them again but they looked soft.”

Locke was dismissed from the post six days later after suffering a sixth straight Championship defeat in a 1-0 loss to Morton.

Despite being out of work, the SFA refused to take pity on the one-time Hearts and Kilmarnock boss and offered a one-game ban.

Locke, however, is contesting the punishment and a Judicial Panel is due to convene at Hampden on Thursday to discuss the case.

Should the appeal be unsuccessful, Locke will have to serve the ban if he makes a return to the dugout.