Penalty is disputed by Perth boss
Steven MacLean holds off pressure from Christopher Routis Ross County .................. 1 St Johnstone ................. 1 St Johnstone got it spot on in the opening stages of Wednesday night - but left the Highlands frustrated by a controversial penalty decision.
Denny Johnstone had headed the Perth side into a second minute lead as Saints fired out of the blocks and looked in control of the contest.
But the game would turn on its head in the second half when whistler Greg Aitken judged that Chris Millar fouled Chris Eagles inside of the box.
It was an incredibly close call which allowed Ross County forward Alex Schalk to tuck home from 12 yards.
McDiarmid manager Tommy Wright, speaking after the game, said that the referee was in no position to make a clear-cut call.
He said: “There are other moments that we are not happy with - Denny’s shirt blatantly pulled in the first half in the box. Denny grappled to the ground in the box second half.
“And obviously the penalty decision is contentious. My players are adamant that it is outside of the box.
“I’ve seen it back and it’s impossible for the referee, with the view he had, to say 100 per cent that it is in the box. Chris Millar’s feet never went in the box.
“It’s a tough decision but you have got to make sure when you are giving them, that you are 100 per cent because it has big consequences.
“I went into see him [after the game] and he said he thinks it’s in the box.
“It’s touch and go - and the point would