Raging Wright hits out at Collum after penalty piles the pain on Killie

INCANDESCENT Kilmarnock manager Tommy Wright admits he is expecting an apology from referee Willie Collum after a controversial penalty award settled this tight contest at Stark’s Park.

Raith striker Dario Zanatta tucked away the only goal in a game of few chances in the 58th minute after Dylan McGowan was harshly penalised for handball as he tussled with Ethan Varian.

Wright made a beeline for Collum at full-time to make his feelings clear and admits the manner of the defeat — which leaves Killie five points adrift of Championship leaders Inverness — was hard to take.

Wright said: ‘I think the only person that thought it was a penalty was Willie.

‘John McGlynn didn’t think it was. The players aren’t really even appealing for it.

‘It’s not a penalty — I’ve seen it back, it can’t be a penalty.

‘I know Willie has not even got a good view of it but he said he had and he is adamant it’s a penalty.

‘I hope he looks at it back and maybe phones me up on Monday and gives me an apology.’

In a tight game, one goal was always going to win it and unfortunately that decision went against us.

Sections of the travelling support also turned on Wright shortly after the visitors went behind, chanting: ‘Tommy get to f***’ and ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’.

Killie created the first chance in the 14th minute when Blair Alston had a shot blocked by Christophe Berra before firing the follow-up at Jamie MacDonald.

Fraser Murray then played in Oli Shaw but the striker, who had only MacDonald to beat, saw his drive pushed over the bar.

Raith upped the tempo at the start of the second period and after Aidan Connolly fired wide, McGlynn’s side were awarded the hotly-debated penalty.

Killie were fuming as Zanatta (pictured) stuck away the penalty.

Raith boss John McGlynn, whose side remain second — a point behind Caley — said: ‘A penalty-kick is a horrible way to lose a game.

‘But the handball rule now is a lottery.’