DISGUSTED
Boss claims officials ‘the worst he’s ever seen’
Shotts manager John Mckeown blasted the officiating of the WishawShotts derby on Saturday as the“worst he has ever seen”.
In a hugely entertaining game at the Beltane, Shotts were two up at half-time thanks to a Danny Burns brace.
Wishaw fought their way back into the game as KB Grant reduced the deficit, before a contoversial late penalty allowed the home side’s Justin Watson to slam home an equaliser from the spot.
Shotts also had two players sent off in the second half, with a total of 12 cards handed out over the course of the exciting match.
Former Wishaw Juniors manager Mckeown was furious with the referee’s performance and slated him for “ruining a great derby”.
“In terms of the referee I’ve honestly never seen a game like it,” Mckeown fumed. “I’ve honestly never felt so cheated in my life. In the second half the referee was giving absolutely everything to Wishaw.
“Fair play to Wishaw, because they came out and had a go in the second half but the referee was appalling. Their boy has run out of play for their penalty, fallen over and then he’s given them a penalty.
“Gerry Watt was sent off for dissent but that’s only a booking. We should have all been sent off if that was the case because we all couldn’t believe what we were seeing. I’m honestly disgusted with the referee.”
Wishaw Juniors manager Kieran Mcguinness, formerly of Shotts Bon Accord, said he sympathised with Mckeown but felt his team more than merited their draw.
He said: “I thought we played really well. We contained them, played in their half and their opener was definitely against the run of play.
“I think the referee has a very tough job and I thought he did alright. The Shotts bench were pretty irate at some of the decisions.
“I think John will maybe still just be a bit raw at having two sent off.
“But I’m very proud of the boys for keeping their heads. It’s not easy playing against ten men but to come from two behind and get the draw, it almost felt like a win.”
The club’s draw followed their opening stalemate at Hannah Park earlier this season.
And Kieran hopes that Wishaw can continue to play well against the teams at the top of the league.
He added: “We knew Shotts would be looking to keep their momentum of their good run going so I’m really pleased with the point. I’m pleased with how we’ve stood up against the teams at the top.”
For the full match report, see page 57.