‘Disgrace' – Nick Walsh slammed for penalty decision which relegated St Johnstone as fans say ‘livelihoods on the line'
Supporters and pundits have been having their say on the decision which ultimately sunk Saints
DOWN 'Disgrace' – Nick Walsh slammed for penalty decision which relegated St Johnstone as fans say 'livelihoods on the line'
REFEREES and VAR are once again in the spotlight in the Scottish Premiership after late drama at Dundee - and fans haven't held back in their views.
Nick Walsh's controversial penalty award for handball by Antonio Portales in the 96th minute at Dens Park saw Ronan Hale net a last-gasp equaliser from the spot for Ross County.
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Antonio Portales penalised for handball
Credit: BBC
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Antonio Portales adjudged to have handled ball in the box
Credit: BBC
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Nick Walsh points to the spot for a controversial handball decision.
Credit: BBC
It keeps the Staggies' hopes of avoiding the relegation play-offs alive but means St Johnstone's 16-year stay in the top flight has come to an end as their relegation is confirmed.
That has left many fans on social media perplexed and frustrated that the decision denied Saints the chance to pull off the great escape on the final day.
One fan said on X: "You get relegated over the course of a season and I accept that, but that scandalous decision from Nick Walsh has not only ripped away our chance to stay up on the final day, it's meant Dundee are still not safe.
"Never a penalty, typical that was what ultimately killed us."
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Another added: "This is CRAZY officiating. How Nick Walsh has given this handball as a penalty in the first place. When he did give it, it's even worse that VAR didn't overturn it."
Some fans could see it from the other side and believe Portales left the referee with no option but to point to the spot.
Another fan pointed out: "I am sorry as a Dundee fan that is a penalty. Why does Portales lift his arm up once he had landed?"
Another one added: "Why does he bring his hand back up. All his own making."
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Football pundit Michael Stewart though was unequivocal in his view, he said on BBC Sportscene: "It's a disgrace, let's not beat about the bush.
"The fact Nick Walsh gives a penalty in the first place is just unforgivable and for VAR not to intervene and overturn this is inexcusable. "
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Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew, who was also on the programme added: "It should never have been a penalty kick.
"Anyone that's played the game knows when you're running backwards and you jump you have to put your hands in the air.
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"It's natural for your hands to be up there. He's gaining no advantage by the ball hitting his hand - it's going away from goal, it's a disadvantage if it goes back to his own goal."
The penalty also had repercussions for Dundee who are still in relegation trouble ahead of facing St Johnstone on Sunday.
Fuming Dark Blues boss Tony Docherty ducked the post match press conference after previously raging at officials in recent games against Motherwell and Kilmarnock so left it to his assistant Stuart Taylor.
He said: 'The manager chapped the ref's door, I don't know what was said.
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'I think it's a great talking point for everyone after the last couple of weeks, so there's no point me saying any more.
'There's confusion and disbelief, but they're a great bunch of boys and they're robust.
'The manager gave the lads a great speech and got everyone ready for Sunday's game.
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Nick Walsh decision
Credit: Rex
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'It's in our hands at this moment in time. We are in a good position. If we take care of Sunday's game we'll be fine."
The point keeps Ross County alive ahead of facing Motherwell on the final day of the season, boss Don Cowie said: "I've not seen it from a really good angle.
"What will probably frustrate Dundee will be the manner. They win first contact and the ball is going out of the box.
"But his arm is out and by the letter of the law, it's probably a penalty.
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"It's important we stopped the run of form we were on.
"We wanted the three points, but we are still fighting going into the last game."
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