Hamilton Academical manager Darian MacKinnon has revealed he was sent off for 'provocative pointing' during Saturday night's dramatic derby win over Airdrieonians. The former Accies midfielder watched the second half from the stand after being dismissed at half-time of the BBC Alba televised League One clash.
Derby tunnel clash leads to dismissal
The two teams clashed in the tunnel at half-time, and MacKinnon was sent to the stand for the second half, where he watched his side run out 2-1 winners. Gregor Crookston struck nine minutes from time to win it for Accies after Airdrie's Rangers loanee Josh Gentles had cancelled out Dom Thomas' opener for the visitors.
MacKinnon could not fully enjoy the derby success with his players after referee Cameron Stirling's decision. He told the club media: "I'm not going to say what actually happened because I am not going to say who did what and who did this."
Referee's explanation questioned
"But when I spoke to the referee at full-time I was told I got sent off for 'provocative pointing' and leaving my technical area," MacKinnon said. "I said to him it was half-time so I am allowed to leave my technical area. I wasn't going to sit there the full half-time and not speak to my players!"
"I saw something happen to one of my players and, that's just the way I am, I'll back my players to the death. In hindsight, should I stay out of it? Of course I should because I should be on the touchline leading my players, but I'll take my medicine."
Penalty claim adds to frustration
That wasn't the only decision from the referee that irked the Accies boss as his side remained joint top with Ross County at the League One summit. Just before the winner, Andy Ryan went down in the box when he was in on goal.
MacKinnon added: "I have seen a quick replay and the question I would always ask is why would a striker go down with a free shot at goal from about eight yards? I think it is a penalty, I think his heels have been clipped but the ref explained it to me, to be fair to him. He said he felt there was contact but he didn't think it was a foul and he didn't think it was a dive so he has explained himself. Do I agree with him? 100 per cent I don't agree with him, but at least he has been man enough to explain it, which I respect."
Unbeaten run continues
Accies remain unbeaten after 10 games in the division with just the one draw the only blemish on an otherwise dream start. MacKinnon was full of praise for his side: "I thought the boys were magnificent. We got the goal just before half-time and then we conceded straight after half-time, which can knock the stuffing out of you. But I thought the boys were tremendous."
"We touched on it before the game that it was never going to be a repeat of the one at our place [a 4-0 win]. There is pride on the line so they were not wanting that to happen again and they picked up a bit. But I want to credit my players and my coaching staff because we put the work in at a tough place to come and we managed to come out the other side with three points. But let's keep our feet on the ground. It is three points and onto the next one."
This Saturday Accies host managerless East Fife, who parted company with boss Dick Campbell at the weekend. The Methil Men are second bottom of the table after just one win in 11 outings.
