Falkirk drew 0-0 with Hearts but boss John Hughes was more concerned with those supporters who had threatened to disrupt the game. Fans group the Bairns' Trust sent a letter to chairman Campbell Christie this week calling for Hughes to be replaced and threatening protests during the Hearts encounter which never materialised.

Hughes claimed the timing, before such a huge match which leaves his side four points adrift at the foot of the SPL, was disgraceful.

He said: "I feel credit is due to the players, especially after that letter from the fans' trust. I think the timing of it was absolutely abysmal.

"I understand their frustrations, I really do, but the club issuing a press release saying we're right behind Yogi is not enough.

"Thanks very much for standing by me but I would like the club and the board of directors to investigate what happened and take appropriate action against the people responsible for it. I wouldn't like to think it's just going to get swept under the carpet.

"That was not helpful to my team at all, it was absolutely diabolical what they did.

"I think there's people in positions who have really harmed the club and I think they've acted very irresponsibly.

"I don't think they have the support they think they have. I think the true Falkirk fans realise we're in a dogfight and want to stand shoulder to shoulder with us, and I think that was evident today.

"One thing it has done is galvanised us a little bit.

"Don't worry about me, what will be will be, but don't do that to my players or to my club. I'm looking for my club to stand up really strong and deal with certain individuals."