NOT TO BLAME
Wright says Saints were acting as peacemakers
Tommy Wright reckons St Johnstone have no explaining to do following Saturday’s heated Tayside derby against Dundee.
The Perth side comfortably secured a memorable 4-0 victory at Dens Park but tempers flared seconds after the full-time whistle.
Dundee boss Neil McCann (right) was seen to raise a hand towards the face of Saints goalkeeper Zander Clark as management teams shook hands.
Heated exchanges continued into the tunnel but Perth manager Wright says the video evidence will tell its own story.
“We have been vindicated by the footage of what happened after the game,” Wright explained.
“It quite clearly shows we were the ones trying to restrain things and weren’t the aggressors in any of it.
“Zander did put his hand on Neil’s shoulder but he was acting as a peacemaker and trying to keep him away from our kit man. “I’m not sure what triggered it. “They had a go at Steven MacLean during the match and I had a go back at them. But it was nothing, par for the course really. “We are all passionate about the game. Neil has said about himself Tempers flare at the end of Saturday’s Tayside derby as Neil McCann and Zander Clark face-off, with Tommy Wright looking on. in the past that he is a fiery character. But nothing had been simmering and I don’t know why Manny Fowler (the kit man) should be singled out.
“I suppose the onus is on the other side to explain their actions.”
Wright celebrated passionately with travelling supporters, orchestrating four loud cheers as the teams exited
Wright celebrates the field of play. The Northern Irishman went on:“My celebrations with the fans happened after the incident.
“But maybe that’s why people waited for me at the top of the stairs to the dressing room.
“If you can’t celebrate with your own fans let’s all shut the doors and stay in the house.
“I saw Brendan Rodgers celebrate his win over Rangers but I didn’t see Graeme Murty go for Celtic’s kit man.
“Look, it was a massive result for us and in a derby.
“I have had no problem with other managers celebrating a win over us and this was done with our fans and not at the Dundee end.
“If that annoys people it is a sad world we live in.
“I spoke to the referee and the match delegate after the game and they had no problems with our behaviour.
“In fact we have had praise over the weekend about how restrained we were. I was there obviously so I know what happened.
“So we had no concerns about our behaviour on the day but it is good the evidence is there to back us up.
“Hopefully a line can be drawn under it and our total focus is on the Hibs game.”
Wright was thrilled with the determination shown by his squad on Saturday to record such a convincing win on the road.
He said:“It was a great performance from us and arguably the best of the season in terms of the quality, the energy and winning battles all over the pitch. Everyone did their jobs and that was pleasing.
“I decided to put the most experienced team on the pitch that I could for what was a big game. The three points were massive for us.
“We knew they liked to play from the back and the conditions didn’t really suit that.
“But you have to go out and execute the game plan and they did that with their energy and workrate.
“The younger ones also played their part. Scott Tanser is only 23. He was aggressive and we want to see more of that from him.
“Jason Kerr had started the game at Kilmarnock really well, made a wee mistake and was sent off. He showed a lot of character.
“Chris Kane is in the same bracket. He’s still learning. He got a flea in his ear after the Killie game and responded in the right way.
“He gave a good, experienced defender like Steven Caulker a tough afternoon, along with Josh Meekings.
“His strength and composure for the second was very impressive.”
Saints will this week learn if their appeal against defender Jason Kerr’s red card at Kilmarnock is successful.
Wright added:“We know these things are difficult to overturn but we will go there with enough points to make them think about it.”