Kettlewell is not laughing as Well see red over Vale
Motherwell will appeal Jack Vale’s red card at Pittodrie as Stuart Kettlewell reckons referee Craig Napier’s decision was a joke.
The Fir Park boss believes his striker got a raw deal when he was sent off for a challenge on Dons defender Jack MacKenzie.
Not that his mood was helped when Motherwell conceded the only goal of the game straight afterwards.
There’s no doubt MacKenzie caught a sore one when Vale caught him in the stomach and had to go off later.
But Kettlewell is convinced it was a natural follow-through when his player tried to clear the ball.
He said:”My first reaction was just to start laughing as I couldn’t believe it was given as a red card. Neither can the players.
“I spoke to some of the Aberdeen officials, people who have been around the game a long time, and there is a smirk on their face almost that they got a big decision in their favour.
“Jack MacKenzie comes steaming into Jack Vale, I thought it might have been our foul.”
Napier’s refusal to discuss things postmatch only served to annoy the Motherwell manager more.
He added:”What irks me even more is when you go and ask for a conversation with the referees, as is common practice, he has not allowed any of us in.
“The request was very amicable, we wanted a conversation to ask a couple of questions.
“Part of that was about his communication to some of our players – experienced players who have played for their country.
“In my opinion that derogatory manner that you speak to footballers, it’s not going to get a great reaction.
“Some of the best guys in the past have always had brilliant communication skills.
“They might make mistakes but if you know how to communicate with players then you understand that you have half a chance.
“So quietly asking for a conversation and him closing the door, I have a little bit of a concern that we are ever going to come to any common ground.”
By contrast Aberdeen caretaker Peter Leven was much calmer after seeing his side move above Motherwell with the win.
Now the aim is to finish the campaign as best of the rest.
He said: “I’ve always said it’s all about what we do.
“I have set them a challenge to finish as high as possible – seventh.
“Our first two games after the split are at home and I wanted to take advantage of that.”