Fuming Hughes: The referee was conned

Staggies boss John Hughes accused Collin Quaner of conning the referee to earn St Mirren their penalty winner.

In an even match the all-important breakthrough came from the spot after Quaner went down in the box after minimal contact with Ross County defender Leo Hjelde.

And Hughes pulled no punches as he lay into the ex-Huddersfield striker for tricking the match officials.

He said:“I’m not going to point the finger at the ref. He made an honest decision but once he sees it he’ll know he’s been conned so it’s about the authorities to do something about that.

“Referees have a tough job and you have to make a decision instantly, I can see it after the game. When it happened our video guy said it was never a penalty, so he’s been conned. He will realise he’s made the wrong decision.

“He flung his leg out there, it’s not even a free-kick in the middle of pitch. We’re bitterly disappointed.

“With what’s at stake, boys playing for livelihoods, you’re wanting these decisions to be correct. But who would be a ref? He gets paid and he needs to make it spot on.”

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