TAM Courts tonight admitted he was frustrated that Dundee United had failed to take all three points from their cinch Premiership match against Celtic at Parkhead – and claimed the Tannadice club had been denied a “stonewall penalty” by referee Kevin Clancy.
United recorded their first result in the East End of Glasgow in eight years and remained above their opponents in the top flight table thanks to the equaliser Ian Harkes scored two minutes after Liel Abada had given the home side the lead in the first-half.
However, Courts felt that Celtic centre half Cameron Carter-Vickers had barged over striker Nicky Clark inside his own area shortly after Harkes had netted and was adamant the match official should have awarded the visitors a spot kick.
The 40-year-old was also disappointed that substitute Louis Appere had failed to net when he had a gilt-edged scoring opportunity in added-on time at the end of the 90 minutes.
“I probably have contrasting emotions just now,” he said. “First and foremost, I am really proud of the players for their effort levels and quality and even their bravery to come here and put on a performance like that.
“But I am also slightly frustrated because in the first-half we were denied a stonewall penalty and then we had a chance right at the end there to probably take all three points.
“I accept that Celtic had a couple of chances and hit the woodwork, but I thought we probably just merited the three points on the balance of play. So real pride, but a tinge of disappointment as well.”
Courts continued: “Where officials are concerned, I am going against my better judgement here and maintaining a bit of professional decorum.
“But I am standing diagonally behind it and I can see there is a barge on the back. It is a huge call at a huge stadium with a lot of fans here. Also, the referee might have had to produce a red card. So I think, for whatever reason, he has decided not to award the penalty.
“So hugely frustrated that in the space of a couple of days we have been at the mercy of a few bad decisions. But on this occasion I will show a bit of professional decorum. But I am really expecting better from the officials.”
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