It’s good to talk as Wright and ref Craig clear the air

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright yesterday revealed that referee Craig Thomson had been in touch to talk through Sunday’s controversy.

The Perth side felt hard done by when Celtic were awarded a second half penalty, which levelled the game.

And there were calls for a Perth spot-kick waved away when Danny Swanson went down in the box which boss Wright was adamant should have been awarded.

The Northern Irishman (below) didn’t give details of the conversation with Thomson but said:“I really appreciate Craig taking the time to ring me.

“We had a good chat which has cleared the air and there are no problems whatsoever between us.

“I feel it is important managers and referees have a good relationship and that sort of communication can only help.

“My opinion on the key incidents hasn’t changed. But it is done and dusted, it’s gone. We move on as a team and a club.

“If Craig gets our game with Partick on Saturday, I will have no problem with him.

“Like managers and players, refs make mistakes and I’m sure Craig will look back and think he may or may not have done things differently.

“It overshadowed a cracking game of football and that’s a pity. I know Craig wouldn’t have wanted that and neither did we.”

Wright says extra measures could be taken to ensure correct decisions are made.

He said:“How do we help the referees? I see Brendan mentioned the possibility of full-time officials if we could afford it in Scotland.

“But having assistants behind the goals can help, giving another two pairs of eyes on what is happening. Maybe that should be the next step.

“Goal-line technology would help but I’m not a fan of rugby-style TMOs coming into

football.”