KERR:OFFICIALS HAVE MISSED CALLBYMILES
BY ROSS PILCHER
ST JOHNSTONE captain Jason Kerr had a good watch of his side’s disallowed goal during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Hibs – and insisted Callum Hendry was MILES onside.
Despite dominating and Kerr putting in a fine performance against his boyhood club, a stoppage time Stevie Mallan penalty condemned Saints to a second home defeat in just four days.
Liam Gordon was adjudged to have pushed Ryan Porteous in the box by ref John Beaton, who pointed to the spot and felt the wrath of the Perth players.
Mallan smashed home to add insult to injury after the first-half call that Kerr believes the officials have no excuse for getting wrong.
He said: “I was right beside Callum Hendry at the time and couldn’t see if he was offside.
“But I’ve seen it back and there are at least three boys playing him onside. One of them is playing him two yards onside.
“I’m confused as to why the linesman has given it as offside. I don’t get it. It’s a bread-and-butter call.
“I didn’t speak to any of the officials but if they want to contact us then I’ll see what they have to say.
“You can see how far onside Callum is. You can say it happens in quick time but he is miles onside.
“I’m not making excuses but it does change games when you go a goal up.
“We still should have gone on and scored in the second half.
“Last season we were losing games and playing badly but just now we’re playing well. We can’t worry too much.”
Kerr also felt the decision to award the late spot-kick was dubious and can understand Liam Craig’s frustration that earned him a red card at the death.
He said: “I’m a bit disappointed with the penalty as well. I’ve had a look and Liam Gordon actually gets pushed.
“It’s a decision where I don’t think you need to give a penalty. It’s a contact sport and there are always hands on players in the box. Liam feels very hard done by.
“He was just trying to win the ball and someone went into the back of him.
“We’ve still not got a clean sheet yet, which is disappointing. Everyone was disappointed after conceding late on.”