The Sunday Post (Newcastle)

Bowyer ref rage as Dee beaten

- By Neil Robertson SPORT@SUNDAYPOST.COM

DUNDEE 2

Deas (og 12), Grayson (57)

INVERNESS CT 3

Harper (15, 83), Mckay (pen, 45)

Livid Dundee boss Gary Bowyer claimed the performanc­e of the officials in a five-goal thriller at Dens was the worst he had ever seen in his footballin­g career.

The 51-year-old launched a verbal volley at referee Peter Stuart after Dundee’s defeat to Inverness.

Caley Thistle scored two wonder goals through Cammy Harper as well as a Billy Mckay penalty with Dundee netting twice thanks to a Robbie Deas own goal and a Joe Grayson tap in.

Dundee skipper Ryan Sweeney was sent off late on, with Bowyer incensed by several of Stuart’s decisions, insisting his side should have been awarded a penalty of their own early on when Mckay handled the ball on his line.

Bowyer said: “I am amazed we never won the game, never mind drew it.

“But I have to say the performanc­e of the officials today was probably the worst I have ever seen in my footballin­g career, both as a player and a manager.

“The lad saved it with his hand and said to our lads it was hand ball. He is looking straight at it, I have just looked at the video.

“Their penalty – he couldn’t give that quickly enough. I have just tried to speak to him there and wow!

“Back in England you are allowed to speak to the officials with the observer there.

“The observer wasn’t there so it is something I will take up because I wanted to talk about his performanc­e. But that said, we have conceded three goals, which is really disappoint­ing from our point of view.”

Dundee took the lead in the 12th minute with a Grayson corner being turned into his own net by Deas.

That advantage only lasted three minutes as Inverness netted with Harper hitting a sweet strike from outside the box that flew high past Dundee keeper Harry Sharp. Then Caley were awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage time when Sharp was adjudged to have brought down Harper.

Mckay sent the keeper the wrong way with his spot kick.

However, the Dark Blues equalised in the 57th minute when sub Paul McGowan floated a ball into the Caley box with Paul McMullan hitting an angled drive that was turned home by Grayson.

But Caley would not be denied and they secured the victory in the 83rd minute with another stunning goal from Harper who hit a sweet 22-yard shot with his left foot that again gave Sharp no chance.

Dundee’s misery was made complete shortly after when Sweeney was red-carded after receiving his second caution of the game.

Caley boss Billy Dodds said: “The game had everything – it was 100 miles an hour. For a neutral it must have been great to watch.”

 ?? ?? Caley Thistle players celebrate Billy Mckay’s penalty strike
Caley Thistle players celebrate Billy Mckay’s penalty strike

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