Dundee chief Tim Keyes is sure common sense will prevail in the wake of Paul Hartley’s derby dismissal.
Hartley was sent to the stand by referee John Beaton for celebrating the Dark Blues’ injury-time equaliser that rescued a draw for the visitors at Tannadice on Tuesday.
The Dens boss couldn’t believe it went he was ordered off and neither could Keyes as he looked down from his seat above the dugout.
Now the American co-owner is hoping the SFA show some understanding by not throwing the rule book at Hartley.
Keyes said: “I couldn’t understand it and we were all asking: ‘Why is Paul leaving?’
“I thought it was crazy. He was celebrating.”
Asked if the governing body should show leniency under the circumstances of what was a thrilling finale to a hard-fought derby game, Keyes replied: “I would think so. I don’t see they wouldn’t.”
Keyes is confident that Hartley’s “offence” would not have merited such punishment Stateside.
“If the managers do crazy things they will send them off but not for that,” he said.
Hartley is at least in his club’s good books after that derby fightback against United.
Keyes added: “I thought the game was fantastic and what an ending!
“I think it shows the resilience of the club.
“Paul said after the game when I talked to him that he thought last year we wouldn’t have come back like we did.
“That shows a different mentality this year and the team is much improved from last season.
“Paul has been wonderful since we brought him on.
“What’s not to like about him?
“He is passionate about the game and his preparation for matches is incredible.
“I have a great relationship with Paul, am delighted he is here and I hope he stays a long time.”