Rovers manager demanding answers over phantom goal

RAITH RoveRs: Hughes still raging over referee’s decision in draw with Queens

Raith Rovers manager John Hughes has demanded that referee Colin Steven explains why he awarded a ‘phantom’ goal in the draw with Queen of the South – admitting it could have huge repercussions in their survival bid.

Hughes is adamant that Stephen Dobbie’s controversial equaliser in last weekend’s 1-1 draw did not cross the line and is still furious about the decision six days on.

Hughes has since watched video footage of the incident and insists the official has some explaining to do, with Rovers now only two points clear of second bottom Ayr United ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Falkirk.

He said: “We got done with a goal that never was. Once you see the video analysis, it was never a goal.

“What did he see to give a goal? He needs to explain that, he needs to come out and explain why he gave it.

“I’ve not spoken to the Scottish FA or John Fleming and I wouldn’t speak to him.

“It hit the post and was never near going over the line, which is hard to take and a bitter pill to swallow.

“It was a horrendous mistake from the referee. I’m not going to question his integrity or anything like that but you can’t make mistakes like that.

“What made him do it? What did he see to think it was a goal because the linesman never gave it?

“I felt let down and disappointed. I had never seen him before. He’s just a young referee making his way in the game.

“If there is any doubt you can’t give it, so what makes him think it was a goal? The whole stadium was in doubt.

“There’s ramifications for the rest of the season, that is what’s at stake and I feel let down. It’s their job to get it right because they get paid well enough.

“The repercussions of that could be costly. The players feel let down and they’re all into me, saying, ‘did you see it?’ So I’m the spokesperson for the club.

“It’s not a goal so you have to ask the question, ‘why did you give it when it’s not a goal’? There must have been doubt in his head.”

Rovers return to the scene of their last away win when they take on the Bairns at the Falkirk Stadium.

With Gary Locke in charge, Raith earned a 4-2 victory over Peter Houston’s side in October.

Both sides have experienced contrasting fortunes since, with Falkirk pushing for promotion and Rovers in danger of being dragged into the relegation zone.

Hughes led Falkirk to the top-flight in 2005 and is well aware of the challenge facing his team tomorrow.

He added: “I’m looking forward to it. They’re doing great, they’re off a defeat last week but they’ll want to put it right.

“When I was there I had them in the top flight and they’ve never been back there since I left.

“But I think they’ve got the right guy in charge. I like Peter and he’s a good friend of mine.

“They got a wee bit unlucky last year in the play-offs but they should be back in the top-fight.

“But it’s what we do. If we keep picking up points we’ll be all right. “

There’s ramifications for the rest of the season, that is what’s at stake and I feel let down. JOHN HUGHES

Picture: SNS Group. John Hughes: demanding an explanation over why equaliser was awarded.