Neil: He got call spot on
Neil Lennon admits Kilmarnock can be forgiven for their spot-kick fury – but insists ref John Beaton got the decisive penalty call right.
It looked set to end in a 2-2 draw at Easter Road before the whistler deemed Kirk Broadfoot’s contact with Jamie Maclaren was enough for Flo Kamberi to seal a win from 12 yards.
But Lennon admitted that a late call at the other end, where Broadfoot clashed with Efe Ambrose, could also have resulted in a penalty for Killie.
He said: “Our one was a penalty. The defender is on the wrong side of Jamie and he has come across him and been clever.
“Kilmarnock’s claim at the end? It possibly was a penalty but I’m not sure how much contact there was. Kirk kicked Efe rather than Efe kicking him. I’d understand if Kilmarnock have a grievance there. I’m not going to lie and say it definitely wasn’t a penalty.”
Lennon preferred to highlight the quality of a game with four stunning first-half strikes – and he believes the standard may not have been bettered so far this season.
He said: “I’ve not seen that technical level in the first half bettered. It was a really good game with two accomplished teams.
“The first four goals were outstanding but we were very passive with the two goals. We stood off them and quality players will hurt you. We got the break with penalty and it’s a brilliant win.”
Mark Milligan made his debut off the bench and Lennon is already impressed with the Aussie.
He said: “I first met him on Tuesday. He has a scar down the side of his face and I thought, ‘I like that already.’ He’s going to be a really good acquisition.”