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HIBS BOSS LAUNCHES BAN CHALLENGE
Paatelainen - will contest ban.
Hibernian manager Mixu Paatelainen will make a personal appearance in front of the Scottish Football Association's disciplinary committee to contest a four-match touchline ban.
Paatelainen was expected to be hit with the suspension after being sent to the stand by referee Iain Brines during last month's shock Co-operative Insurance Cup defeat to Morton.
The Finn confirmed today he will state his case at a hearing this month in a bid to avoid punishment.
Paatelainen has already served a two-match touchline ban this term following his dismissal during a pre-season friendly at Cowdenbeath.
A second offence usually carries a four-match sentence and if the penalty stands, the 41-year-old will be banished from the dugout for Hibernian's Clydesdale Bank Premier League matches against Hamilton, Rangers, Aberdeen and Hearts.
Paatelainen was dismissed by Brines during the 4-3 home defeat to Morton on August 26.
The Finn was furious with the referee's decisions to award the First Division side an extra-time penalty and a free-kick which led to Ryan Harding's winning goal.
Paatelainen claimed Brines had sent him off for angrily throwing a towel to the ground, rather than for anything he may have said.
