Courts: ‘Mixed feelings’ after missing chance to take second position

DUNDEE United boss Tam Courts refused to put the boot into Livingston star Ben Williamson after his red card challenge on Declan Glass.

Former Arbroath star Williamson – on loan from Rangers – was sent off after a lunge on Glass during yesterday’s thrilling 1-1 draw.

Livi boss David Martindale was also sent to the stands for protesting the decision but Courts chose his words carefully.

“At touchline level you realise these players move so quickly and there’s a real strong coming together,” said Courts.

“I follow the young boy Williamson. He’s a Fifer like me and I’ve seen him play for Scotland’s Under-21s – I know he’s combative but I don’t think he’s a malicious player.

“It was a heavy coming together and the ref had a better view than me but thankfully Declan was OK.

“I was worried momentarily because of the speed of the collision and more so because he (Declan) let out shriek.

“So naturally there was concern but we got the message back he was OK and we could nurse him back to his feet.”

Meanwhile, Courts left the Tony Macaroni Arena with “mixed feelings” as his side missed out on the chance to go second.

A win would have taken United above Hearts and Celtic but they were forced to settle for a point as they extended their unbeaten run to seven games.

“We came for the three points and in the second half we threw everything at it,” said Courts.

“We maximised the width and movement. The best chance fell to Max Biamou.

“Livi are very resolute, they stick together and sometimes it’s more difficult to break down 10 men, but the players gave everything and it’s a shame we couldn’t get the winner.

“I’ve got mixed feelings. We knew how difficult it would be with Livi in good form.

“It was disappointing we conceded but massive credit to the boys for bouncing back and getting back on level terms before half-time.”

Livingston manager David Martindale hailed his team’s battling display.

He said: “I thought in the first half we were the better team and I thought with 10 men that we would be under more pressure than what we were.

“I think it’s testament to the players, they were brilliant and held firm.”

Martindale was also sent off but has insisted he will contest any dugout ban after disputing fourth official Lloyd Wilson’s claim that he used offensive language.

On the red cards, Martindale said: “It was a harsh sending off for me and at the time I thought it was a harsh sending off for Ben. If I’m wrong then I’m wrong.

“I get on well with that linesman (Graeme Leslie) and I wanted to ask him about the challenge as he was in line and in sight of the ball.

“The fourth official has then come back and put his forearm on my chest and pushed me back. I told him to take his hands off of me and I went back and sat down.

“I’m not a liar and don’t tell lies. If I’d used offensive language then I would apologise.

“Will I contest it? I’m going in there with the Bible. How do you prove you’re telling the truth?

“Eight years I’ve been at this club and I’ve never been sent off.”

Tam Courts