Mart’s anger at VAR

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Martindale

Davie Martindale was left cursing VAR after Livingston were denied what could have been a game-changing penalty.

Striker Kurtis Byrne was furious that neither referee Grant Irvine nor VAR intervened when he appeared to be caught by Joe Newell inside the box at the end of the first half.

The Lions were already trailing to Martin Boyle’s effort with a goal that ultimately settled a tense contest in West Lothian.

And there was more

VAR drama at the end as an offside against Mo Sangare saw Paul Hanlon survive a handball scare.

Martindale was more upset about the first call and said: “Grant didn’t have the chance to go to the screen for the incident with Kurtis. That is disappointing. We got told that Kurtis initiated the contact but I’m not sure that’s my view on it.

“I am disappointed that Grant didn’t get to look at it because you are then letting VAR decide, not the on-field ref.

“I want the referee to use the technology when the decisions are subjective. It shouldn’t come down to someone sitting in a sterile room who isn’t involved in the game.

“The second penalty claim is probably offside but I didn’t understand the process. But when you are bottom of the league, those decisions go against you.”

The result leaves Livingston five points adrift and without a goal in 595 minutes of action.

But after watching his team give Hibs a fright Martindale is certain Livi’s fortunes will turn.

He added: “I will get us through this, I know we will get through this. The gap is five points just now but one win changes it.

“At the start of the season, I said it would be tough. But I believe there is enough between my staff and my players. I believe in the boys.

“Bar the goal, the boys were good and were unlucky not to take anything from it.”