Goodwin is left stunned by ref ’s big calls
St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin last night blasted referee Steven Mclean for two key calls in the 1-0 defeat at Perth.
The Buddies boss claimed he missed an arm being used in the build-up to the Perth side’s second-half winner.
And he was dismayed to see Mclean show a red card to midfielder Cameron Macpherson in the 55th minute for clipping Melamed nine minutes after Chris Kane had netted for the Perth Saints.
“The game had 0-0 written all over it, but it was a massive decision in the lead up to the goal,” said Goodwin.
“I hate talking about referees, but Joe Shaughnessy clearly headed the ball on to Melamed’s arm – which was in an unnatural position way above his head.
“You’d be screaming for a penalty if that was a defender in the box, so why Steven Mclean didn’t give it is beyond me.
“The sending-off is another poor decision.
“The first yellow was borderline. Cammy got plenty on the ball. You could argue his trailing leg caught him, but there was no malice in it.
“The second one is a mistake. Cammy clearly won the ball, but, for whatever reason, it was deemed another yellow card. We lost the game to two poor decisions.”
Goodwin admitted his Paisley side hadn’t done themselves justice, with home keeper Zander Clark untroubled throughout.
“It was a poor game, to be brutally honest, with not much quality in the final third from either team.
“St Johnstone probably had the better chances in the first half with a couple of good balls. But, overall, neither goalkeeper had a great deal to do.
“It was a disappointing afternoon. We had plenty of possession, but didn’t move ball quickly enough in the final third.”
Goodwin, however, welcomed the result of the club’s Covid-19 appeal after games against Motherwell and Hamilton were postponed.
These will now be played, rather than the Buddies suffering 3-0 losses.
“We’re delighted with the outcome and common sense has finally prevailed.”