David Martindale does not believe that referee David Dickinson was correct to award Rangers a penalty kick early on at the Tony Macaroni Arena but the Livingston manager did concede that the decision was ‘debatable’.
Livi full-back James Penrice grabbed Alfredo Morelos’ shirt midway through the first half after Ayo Obileye had beat the Colombian to the ball and a spot-kick was awarded after Dickinson reviewed the incident with the help of VAR at the pitchside monitor.
James Tavernier cooly despatched the penalty for the visitors to hand them the lead before curling in an excellent free-kick 12 minutes from time to provide Michael Beale’s men with some breathing space. Substitute Kemar Roofe added a third with five minutes to go to seal the 3-0 win.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Martindale said: “Who’s going to say it then? I don’t think it was a penalty. I think it’s very, very soft.
“I’m going to concede that he had his jersey but I don’t think he was pulling it. I don’t think there was any force in it. You didn’t see Morelos’ body shape changing with the momentum.
“I don’t think Morelos is anywhere near the ball, it’s not denying a goal scoring opportunity. So I think it is very harsh.
“I think if you were to go around every game in the Premiership – or even every game in Scotland – there would be 20 penalties given today for somebody holding the opposition player’s shirt.
“It happens to Joel Nouble every day of the week and we don’t seem to get fouls or free-kicks or penalty kicks for it. So I don’t think there is a lot in it.
“I can see why the referee has had to go and have a look at the monitor but I’m a wee bit disappointed because there has got to be some argument in terms of the momentum or the force that’s used to pull the shirt.
“But that’s just me, it’s obviously debatable. We could go around the room and some of you would think it’s a penalty and some of you would not. And anyone that says it is – you’re barred!”
