Coutts: I’ll focus on the football, not the red card
Dundee United manager Tam Courts insisted he hadn’t punished Calum Butcher – and hailed his players for triumphing in this stormy Tannadice affair.
Courts watched his side edge past the Dons thanks to Ian Harkes’ 80th-minute strike which was all that separated these sides who were both reduced to 10 men in a crazy few minutes just prior to the interval.
It came after English ace Butcher was sent for an early bath in 42 minutes for striking out at Christian Ramirez, before Funso Ojo was also sent packing three minutes later.
But Courts claimed he didn’t reprimand Butcher as he was more delighted with the efforts of his spirited side.
Courts said: “I didn’t actually see it at the time. I saw Ryan Edwards and their striker coming together but when the referee handed out the red card, I tend not to dwell on these situations just because the decision has been made.
“I haven’t spoken to Calum or looked back at the incident.
“It was just a major frustration as I knew that it weakened us and gave us an uphill task at that point.
“I don’t know if the players bailed Calum out.
“Football is football and things happen.
“They obviously went down to 10 men as well. A 10 v 10 game is a bit strange from a tactical perspective but I’m just pleased for the players and the fans.
“This is a group of players who are together and trust each other. They got the job done today.”
Courts couldn’t catch a glimpse of Ojo’s departure and insisted he was simply thrilled to get back to winning ways.
He said: “I didn’t even see him jumping the billboards.
“I heard the reaction and then he was sent off.
“So I’m unsure what happened but it will obviously be disappointing from their perspective as they would have been looking to capitalise.
“I’m not entirely sure what the allegations are (regarding the fan) or what actually happened.
“I really wanted to retain my focus on the pitch and stayed away from the referee at half-time.
“It was an exciting game to be involved in. And it’s a significant three points for us after suffering back-to-back defeats.”