St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson admits he couldn't fathom why midfielder Daniel Phillips saw red against St Mirren.
The 10-man McDiarmid Park side almost claimed an unlikely victory when Zak Rudden headed in with 15 minutes to play, only for Alex Gogic to rescue a point for the visitors.
Phillips' dismissal on the cusp of half-time for a tackle on Ryan Strain was initially deemed a yellow card by referee Craig Napier. But the official upgraded the offence to a red after a VAR intervention, leaving Davidson bitterly disappointed.
“When I initially saw it, I didn’t really think there was anything in it," he said. "I don’t think he raised his leg or did anything with malice or pace.
“He had the ball and the guy was sliding in. When it went to VAR, I thought Dan must have raised his leg and stamped on him.
“Looking at it back, he didn’t. We’re really disappointed with the decision.
“If he’s following the rules… he’s obviously made contact with the ankle or foot, they say that’s a yellow card and a yellow card should be given.
“I don’t know why he goes to VAR. Again, it’s really difficult because if we’re going to send players off for that I don’t know what Dan’s meant to do with his foot.
“He didn’t even see him, he’s just turned and I’m not sure he can change the direction of his leg in mid-air. It wasn’t even that high.
“I genuinely don’t know why it was a sending off. It’s a big point in the game and made it really difficult for us.
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“We were better with 10 men. We worked extremely hard.
“Zak came on and did what I asked of him when I brought him here: score goals. It was a fantastic header.
“I was just disappointed we couldn’t hold on at the end for three but I’m delighted with the lads and the point.”
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