Hughes thought Dean Holden was unlucky to be sent off

"I didn't see it as a red card, it was right in front of me," said Hughes. "I think Holden was fully committed to go for the ball, which he is entitled to.

"I'm telling every one of my players to be fully committed, like I was myself.

"I think, once again, Craig Thomson took a rush of blood and could have taken a couple of seconds out. For me, the red card just beggars belief."

Interview: Falkirk manager John Hughes

Interview: Hibs manager John Collins

Holden was sent off after 41 minutes and Hibs striker Abdessalam Benjelloun went on to bag two goals in the second half.

"Even before Dean got sent off, Hibs were well on top," continued Hughes.

"You don't want to be playing against a Hibs team with 10 men, so that was disappointing.

"I was also a little bit disappointed with goals we lost, even with 10 men, but I can never fault their spirit and effort. It just wasn't to be."