Canning hopeful Skondras is cleared
HAMILTON boss Martin Canning hopes Giannis Skondras will be cleared to play in Saturday’s relegation crunch with Dundee.
The Greek was sent packing by referee Steven McLean for upending Ross County’s Craig Curran last weekend.
It proved to be a costly decision as Curran went on to grab an equaliser against 10-man Accies.
Canning felt the red card was harsh and Accies will have their appeal heard at Hampden today ahead of the trip to Dens.
He said: “Having watched it I don’t think it’s a red card. I think Giannis slipped while trying to make an honest attempt to get the ball.
“He’s on the ground and their player has nicked the ball over him. It has all looked a bit exaggerated because the speed of their player and obviously Giannis coming across.
“There was absolutely no intent or endangerment to the player. So we’re hopeful of it being overturned.
“Ninety eight per cent of the people I’ve spoken to thought it was a red at the time but then watched it back and thought differently.
“I don’t think it was the right decision, so hopefully others will see that too.”
Despite moving into eighth and off the bottom two on goal difference last Saturday, Canning has never known a Premiership season like it where the bottom six teams are not yet safe from relegation.
He said: “You are under massive pressure. There are quite a few clubs fighting to stay up.
“I said three or four months ago that the only team that manages to stay safe from relegation is the team that finishes sixth.
“Obviously Partick have put together a good run and they’ve secured sixth place. The rest below them are going to be involved in it up to the wire.
“Every game at this stage of the season is huge and we’ve got to make sure we’re the team heading in the right direction.”