East Stirlingshire 1 - 1 Buckie Thistle: Frances facing stern action after red card sparks furious outburst

East Stirlingshire defender Ryan Frances could be set for a lengthy ban following angry scenes when he was dismissed at Ochilview as his side drew 1-1 with Highland League Champions Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup.

Deep into injury time Frances kicked out at the grounded Chris Angus and referee Barry Cook pointed to the spot before dismissing the defender. Amid angry scenes, Frances grabbed the referee’s arm and had to be dragged away by his team-mates.

Team-mate David Cane was then red-carded for swearing at Cook’s stand-side assistant and there was more drama to come as goalkeeper Callum Antell saved Zander Ryan’s effort with Cook immediately blowing for full time.

East Stirlingshire manager John Coughlin said: “I went in and spoke to the referee after the final whistle to get clarification on what went on. We will just have to wait and see what happens but we cannot condone anything of that nature.”

Coughlin’s side had taken the lead thanks to Andy Stirling’s goal at the start of the second half, but an own goal from Michael Hunter means a replay this Saturday.

There were chances at both ends in the first half with Ally Love and Bradley Coyne coming close for the home side while Michael Morrison almost gave the visitors the lead with a header from a corner that was saved by Antell. At the start of the second half Stirling showed his team-mates how it should be done, cutting in from the left and unleashing a right-foot shot that Kevin Main could only wave at on its way in.

Last season Buckie progressed in the cup at the expense of East Stirlingshire due to an off-field administrative error. This season an on-field blunder gave them a route back into the competition. Donnie Munro curled over a free kick from the right and the ball eluded everyone before hitting Hunter on the knee and bouncing into his own goal.