Thursday 14 August 2014 13:22, UK
St Johnstone are to appeal the red card shown to Dave Mackay in their 3-0 defeat against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday.
The defender was dismissed for bringing down Derk Boerrigter for a penalty in the Sky Live clash, although TV replays later showed that contact had been minimal.
It was the end of a eventful night for Mackay, who felt aggrieved that he had not been awarded a penalty when he was challenged by Virgil van Dijk in the Celtic box moments before his dismissal.
Speaking after the game, St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright said: "One was a penalty and one wasn't. Simple.
"It's not my view that counts, it is the referee's that counts. There is enough grounds for appeal. Van Dijk leaves his leg out. There was contact. It is the wrong decision.
"If there was contact (with Boerrigter), it was minimal and it didn't make him go down because he didn't go down in the contact, that is clear for everyone to see.
"And he actually collapses his right leg which is the leg furthest away from Dave Mackay, if he did make contact. I have to concentrate on the performance and that was excellent."
St Johnstone having initiated an appeal, Mackay will be free to play against Hamilton on Saturday, but he will sit out against Aberdeen next week if the SFA decide the card stands.
Boerrigter could also be in the dock if Mackay is exonerated as the SFA has the power to administer retrospective punishments for simulation that results in a penalty.
