MORTON have won their case against Falkirk over the club's controversial recruitment of former Cappielow manager Ray McKinnon.

A Hampden hearing was recently held to investigate the circumstances surrounding McKinnon's shock departure from Cappielow, with Ton incensed over the switch and accusing him and his assistant Darren Taylor of a breach of contract.

They also reported the Bairns to the SPFL, and a sub-committee, chaired by an experienced independent solicitor, was convened to look at the matter.

The disciplinary hearing has found in Morton's favour, with the verdict announced this afternoon.

It determined that Falkirk Football Club 'breached and/or failed to comply with SPFL Rules D9 and D10 in relation to the employment of its current football management team'.

The SPFL’s rule D9 – on employee contracts - says: ‘No Club shall directly or indirectly induce or attempt to induce any employee of another Club to terminate a contract of employment with that other Club (whether or not by breach of that contract) or directly or indirectly approach any such employee with a view to offering employment without the consent of that other Club.’

Rule D10 meanwhile covers ‘inducement to breach contracts’ and says: ‘No Club shall either directly or indirectly induce or attempt to induce any manager, coach, trainer or other person involved in the training or management of the team of another Club or a club in membership of the Scottish FA to breach a written contract of employment.'

A further hearing will now be arranged for the sub-committee to consider what sanction, if any, should be applied.

It could apply a range of punishments.

A statement from Falkirk said: "Falkirk FC is extremely surprised and disappointed by the SPFL sub committee’s decision regarding Rules D9 and D10 in relation to the employment of our current football management team.

"We have yet to receive full written explanations as to how this decision was reached and have requested these be shared with us as a matter of urgency.

"Our position remains unchanged and we believe all proper process was followed in the appointment of both Ray and Darren.

"As a club, we have already expressed our grave concerns over the way this matter has been dealt with by the SPFL and consider that this decision has serious consequences for the future movement of players and managers in Scottish football.

"Once we have received a fuller explanation from the SPFL, we will meet with our legal representatives and decide on our next course of action.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

Morton are expected to release a statement on the hearing outcome this afternoon.