GARY Fraser, the young Wanderers midfielder currently on loan with Partick Thistle, is in hot water with the Scottish Football Association for fighting with an opposing player.

According to reports North of the Border the 19-year-old, signed on a free transfer in the summer, faces an extended ban after an incident in a midweek Under-20s game against Dunfermline.

Fraser has been cited by the SFA for “punching a player on the opposing team” and “thereafter kicking him repeatedly on the head and body”.

The opposing player in question was Dunfermline’s Chris Kane, who was also sent off for retaliation, along with Thistle player Dale Keenan.

The red card carries an automatic two-match ban but compliance officer Vincent Lunny has notified Thistle that Fraser has additionally been charged with breaching rule 201 of the SFA’s disciplinary guidelines.

That could mean his suspension is extended to anything between four games and a year-long ban, depending on how a disciplinary committee view the incident when they meet on November 14 at Hampden Park.

Speaking to The Daily Record newspaper, Dunfermline under-20 coach John Potter has urged the SFA to be lenient in their punishment.

“It was an ugly collision. Gary lost the plot for a few seconds but it’s ridiculous to suggest it’s worthy of a one-year ban,” he said.

“He came into the dressing room after the game to apologise and Chris was happy to accept that.

“Chris is someone who knows the game and is no shrinking violet himself so I’m sure he’d be happy to speak in defence of the severity of the incident.”

Fraser played for Hamilton last season but was released in the summer.

He had turned down a move to the Reebok in January but was snapped up by Dougie Freedman as a future prospect and loaned out immediately to Partick where he has made four appearances in the Premiership.