Dave Mackay has dismissed the idea that St Johnstone’s Tayside derby comeback was sparked by a handball by him.
And the Saints skipper suggested the Dundee United camp should look closer to home if there is any “moaning” to be done.
The Tangerines’ coaching staff were livid with referee Alan Muir after Michael O’Halloran cancelled out Calum Butcher’s opener, as they believed Mackay had blocked their clearance with his arm to initiate the goal-scoring move.
Saints then went on to score a late winner through Chris Millar.
Manager Jackie McNamara decided not to speak to the press after the game, and assistant Simon Donnelly admitted his dissatisfaction at that Mackay incident was behind that decision.
Donnelly himself insisted that it was an “obvious decision” the officials missed.
He said: “It certainly looks as if he was struck on the arm. The referee’s told us it was the chest. It was disappointing because goals change the momentum in games at times and we felt we were in control.
“The game certainly changed on that moment and they were in the ascendancy after that.
“He (McNamara) was a bit frustrated with the way things went and a bit frustrated at the obvious decision.”
Mackay was having none of it, however.
“It was never a handball,” he pointed out.
“The manager asked me after the game but I didn’t have a clue what he was talking about.
“I remember leaning forward and it’s hit me on the shoulder but I hear United are moaning about it.
“But they should maybe be more worried about their players playing a poor ball to let me intercept it rather than moaning.
“There was still a lot of work to be done after that.”