A DEJECTED St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright admitted his players had only themselves to blame for crashing out of the Europa League last night but also criticised Minsk for showing a lack of class at the end of their victory on penalties.
St Johnstone went out in the penalty shoot-out after losing 1-0 on the night to the Belarusians, who had Siarhei Sasnouski sent off during their post-match celebrations for goading some of Wright's players. But St Johnstone's unbeaten home record in Europe was surrendered cheaply. They had numerous chances to score on the night before Dave Mackay, Paddy Cregg and Steven MacLean failed to convert their kicks during the 3-2 defeat on penalties. More than 8500 supporters were in McDiarmid Park after the excellent first-leg win in Belarus.
"We were wasteful tonight in front of goal; we had numerous opportunities and their goalkeeper's made some good saves," said Wright. "I'm extremely disappointed for the players; they put a lot into it and over the two legs they were by far the better team. It was so one-sided at times it was untrue.
"I believe they were goading our players at the end and one of them got sent off, which shows you the class of them. That's certainly not behaviour I would expect from my players. Good luck to them if they want to behave like that; all the best of luck to them in the next round."
Wright argued that there should have been a penalty for a foul on Rory Fallon and Minsk should have had a player sent off during the game itself. He had argued angrily with Minsk's manager on the touchline.
"We can moan about refereeing decisions all day long but we have only ourselves to blame," said Wright. "We had enough chances and enough possession to probably win two games."
MacLean echoed the view that St Johnstone should have won the tie long before it went to penalties. "We're gutted in there," he said. "It should never really have gone to penalties. They were a stuffy team to play against: they just sat with everyone behind the ball and didn't really show any ambition. To be fair, they got their goal; I think it was their only shot on target. That's football: it kicks you on the backside.
"When things go wrong you see the real players who come out fighting. We've got guys in there who will come out fighting."
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