Ref Madden was swayed by Saints over penalty decision says Motherwell boss

Graham Alexander accused r e f e r e e B o b b y M a d d e n o f b e i n g s w a y e d b y S t M i r - ren as he was denied a winning star t to his Mother well reign by Jamie Mcgrath's late penalty.

Devante Cole gave Stephen Robinson's successor the perfect start as he fired Well ahead at the break.

But the Steelmen could not hang on for what would have been their first win in 11 games after Buddies frontman Lee Erwin won his side a spot-kick with 12 minutes remaining.

Bevis Mugabe was penalised for the challenge on the Saints striker - but Alexander insists it was a soft award and claimed Madden had been "influenced" by repeat claims for fouls coming from the Paisley camp.

"I think we've b een harshl y d e a l t w i t h a t t h e p e n a l - t y," said the former S cotland defender, pictured.

"I thought it was coming a little bit because there was an influence, I felt. There was a lot of noise on virtually every challenge - and I mean every challenge.

"I've seen it back and it's a limited touch, if any at all. I feel for the guys in there because I don't feel they deser ved to score against us.

"I think it was B evis (who was penalised) but honestly, I've watched it back and you can hardly see anything.

"I d o n' t k n o w w h e r e t h e noise was coming from but there seemed to be a lot on every challenge. Listen, I know it goes on and I understand it. I have to be honest, I felt it was coming a little bit if there was g o i n g t o b e o n e a r o u n d t h e box.

"It seemed that there was a lot of pressure.

"I am not going to talk about the referee. He managed the g a me we l l a n d d i d wh a t h e could.

"They have a split decision to make but as a very experienced manager who has been in the game a long time you can feel these things coming."

But St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin reckons Madden got the penalty decision spot on.

A s k e d a b o u t A l e x a n d e r ' s noise complaint, the Irishman replied: "Does he mean me?

"Bobby Madden is a top ref