ST JOHNSTONE boss Steve Lomas was breathing a sigh of relief last night after escaping another touchline ban.
The Northern Irishman was up before the SFA again yesterday at Hampden after being sent to the stands for kicking a water bottle during a game against Hibs on November 28.
The former West Ham and Manchester City midfielder lashed out in frustration after Nigel Hasselbaink, who is not a recognised spot-kick specialist, had his penalty saved with the game delicately balanced at 0-0.
The following day, Lomas was hit with a lengthy eight-game touchline ban after being found guilty by the SFA of a previous offence when he verbally abused referee Iain Brines during a match at Celtic Park.
The Perth manager feared that his spell in the stands could have been increased yesterday and took no chances, employing the services of a top Glasgow criminal lawyer to plead his case.
He said: “I have been censured for what happened at the Hibs game so am happy that I’ve not had more matches added to the current ban.
“I was given a fair hearing and have to thank Liam O’Donnell for representing me.
“The incident happened in the heat of the moment after we missed the penalty kick.
“I think the panel recognised that it was just frustration and nothing else.”
nrobertson@thecourier.co.uk