Laszlo sees red over McMullan’s dive

TANNADICE boss Csaba Laszlo slammed his own player Paul McMullan for diving after watching ten-man Dundee United get their title challenge back on track. United moved to within three points of leaders St Mirren with a game in hand after this thumping defeat of basement club Brechin City, courtesy of goals from Scott McDonald (2), Sam Stanton and James Keatings. But McMullan’s 57th-minute dismissal, receiving a second yellow card for going to ground too easily, infuriated Laszlo, whose team were already four goals up. ‘It’s a huge mistake from Paul,’ he said. ‘We’re not talking about a child, he’s an experienced player who knows he’s already been booked. And even if you have lost the ball, you don’t try to dive because at the moment it is one of the heaviest and easiest punishments. ‘This is the second time he’s picked up a booking for diving this season. I’ve spoken to the player and I’m not closing my eyes to this. ‘This definitely brings trouble for yourself and your team-mates. If you do this at 1-0, it can be a very different story. ‘This wasn’t spectacular overall but we did what we had to do as a team.’ United led after 43 seconds. Jamie Robson’s cut-back was inch-perfect for McDonald, who unleashed a left-foot shot from 14 yards past Brechin keeper Graeme Smith. Minutes later, Keatings’ clever short corner saw Stanton make it 2-0. McDonald netted a third just after half-time and United went further ahead in 52 minutes when Keatings made it 4-0 from the spot. After McMullan’s dismissal, Jordan Sinclair’s penalty proved to be a consolation goal for the visitors. Brechin boss Darren Dods said: ‘The start killed us and we never really recovered.’