Foran fury at referee

INVERNESS manager Richie Foran last night suggested referee Don Robertson lacked the bravery to send off Erik Sviatchenko at a key moment in their dramatic 2-2 draw with Celtic. While delighted to see Alex Fisher snatch an 89th-minute leveller for his side, Foran was adamant the Parkhead outfit should have been reduced to 10 men during the first half. Billy King’s spectacular strike had cancelled out an opener from Tom Rogic before Caley

Thistle’s Ross Draper quickly advanced towards the Celtic penalty area. The 27-year-old tumbled under a clumsy challenge from Sviatchenko right on the line, but Robertson waved play on. Scott Sinclair put the visitors back in front two minutes later before Inverness goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams produced heroics to prevent the scoreline from escalating further after the break. Foran, though, insisted the entire complexion of the game — which ended Celtic’s flawless start to the domestic season — could have changed if Robertson had taken action. ‘I think it was outside the box, but it was a clear free-kick which leads to a clear sending off,’ he said. ‘It was disappointing, very disappointing. You need brave referees at times like that. ‘Ross has pushed the ball in front of their player, Ross has got his body in the way and he has been wiped out. It was clear for anyone to see.’ Asked if he had spoken to Robertson, Foran added: ‘Yes, in fairness to him, we had a chat. He didn’t think Ross had control of the ball. Obviously, we have had the luxury of seeing it back on TV. He has made the wrong decision. ‘It changed the whole outlook of the game without a doubt. If they go to 10 men it gives us a big boost. ‘As I said, it was a disappointing decision. ‘It was quite obvious for the whole stadium to see. The only one who didn’t think it was a free-kick was the referee, unfortunately.’ Foran admitted Inverness had survived an onslaught in the second half. Celtic struck the frame of the goal three times, while Welsh goalkeeper Fon Williams produced a string of excellent saves despite being a pre-match fitness doubt. ‘That is why he is an international,’ said Foran of his keeper. ‘That is why we fought hard to keep him. He had not trained all week either, he had been struggling with a groin problem. ‘He passed a fitness test this morning. I was humming and hawing about whether to leave him out, I really was, but I had a good chat with him. ‘He was honest and straight with me, and said he wasn’t feeling right at all. But we took a little chance on him. He was immense. ‘But he has been great since he came here and is a player who wants to be here, as well. ‘In the first half I thought we were terrific. We played with a really high pace and matched Celtic all over the park. It was very even. In the second half we struggled to get the ball back from Celtic, but they can do that to teams.’ Fisher came off the bench to head in his first goal for Inverness on his ninth appearance for the club. ‘I am absolutely delighted for Alex,’ added Foran, whose side moved off the foot of the Premiership. ‘His work rate is unbelievable. He is outstanding. His attitude around the place shows he is a top-class player. I am so happy for him.’