‘Katic should hang his head in shame’ says Mcinnes
Aberdeen manager Derek Mcinnes claimed referee Don Robertson was conned by Rangers defender Nikola Katic for the penalty award which ended his team’s challenge in their 2-0 defeat at Ibrox.
The Pittodrie side were already trailing 1-0 to Rangers captain James Tavernier’s first spot-kick of the afternoon, awarded three minutes into the second half when Katic was clipped by Lewis Ferguson.
Mcinnes felt that decision was harsh enough but was dumbfounded when Robertson pointed to the spot again ten minutes from time when Katic tumbled in the box under a challenge from Andrew Considine. It also earned the Aberdeen defender his second yellow card of the match, his dismissal meaning that he is now suspended for Saturday’s home game against Celtic.
“With the second penalty, words fail me how that can be given,” said Mcinnes. “It’s a terrible decision which had a huge impact on the end result. The Rangers player should hang his head in shame at the way he went down. There’s absolutely no contact for me having seen it again and I think he’s the one who should have been dealt with for trying to buy a penalty kick. Unfortunately for us, the referee’s bought it.
“Rangers were good in spells and they are a good side who are playing with confidence. But there’s no doubt the second goal effectively kills the game as it puts us down to ten men.
“The reaction from the Rangers player was bad enough but for the referee to be kidded by that and give the penalty is really disappointing.
“From then on they would have been as well putting the lights out as the game was over. It’s mad that we can’t appeal it and Andy will miss another game against Celtic next week because of it.
“I spoke to the referee after the game but what was said will stay between us. I’m just disappointed he hasn’t see it for what it is.
“Both penalties are very harsh on us. Lewis Ferguson was too honest when challenged by Jermain Defoe earlier in the move and then puts his foot on the Rangers player [Katic] and he goes down.”