Alex Neil, the Hamilton player-manager, has received a three-match suspension for violent conduct which will prevent him from playing a part in his side's final match of the campaign, either on the pitch or from the sidelines.
The Lanarkshire side are at home to Morton on Saturday and require a win to stand any chance of winning the title.
They fell two points behind leaders Dundee after a defeat by Dumbarton on Saturday, during which Neil was shown a red card for aiming a head-butt at Mark Gilhaney.
"Even if we don't finish first, we've got to win to make sure we finish second," said the 32-year-old. "It's a huge bonus for the play-offs to get second place."
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