Referee to blame for our cup exit: Campbell

Dick Campbell insists Arbroath went out of the Scottish Cup because of poor decisions by referee Mike Roncone in this defeat at Somerset Park.

The veteran boss now faces the wrath of the SFA after being sent to the stand for confronting the whistler on the park during a heated tie.

Campbell was furious when Arbroath seemed to be denied a stonewall penalty after Danny Denholm appeared to be hauled down by David Ferguson in the box.

At that stage, Ayr were leading with goals from Declan Mcdaid and Lawrence Shankland.

Although sub Ryan Mccord pulled one back with a close-range shot, the Lichties were killed off by goals from Mcdaid and Craig Moore.

Campbell had words with the standside assistant before heading up the tunnel and later sought out the referee for an explanation but got no change.

The Gayfield gaffer said: “We played Ayr off the park for 20 minutes at the start of the second half. We were well on top and then it’s a foul on our goalie against the run of the play.

“We then go up the park and I have never seen such a blatant penalty in my life. If it’s not a penalty then he has to book the boy for diving.

“Everyone at the game saw it bar the referee. As for the last goal, when I’m sitting in the stand, I can assure you it’s offside.

“I hope the supervisor questions the referee because, don’t forget, Arbroath are in the cup like anyone else.

“The decisions he made today put us out of the cup. I’m going to see the referee and I want him to explain to me why he didn’t give a penalty.

“No words in the English dictionary can describe why it isn’t a penalty kick. It was never a 4-1 game.”

Ayr boss Ian Mccall claimed the tie could have finished 9-9 but with so many defensive players out his team can only play one way.

Mccall said: “Dick’s formation in the last 20 minutes was like six up front. We cut them open a couple of times and got the goals.”