Raith Rovers’ Jamie MacDonald said “no one seems to know” what the handball rule is after his side’s defeat to Dundee.
The experienced goalkeeper made a few good saves on Saturday – his best from the initial shot for Dundee’s second goal.
That strike from Zach Robinson, and his other from the spot, gave the home side all three points at Dens Park.
Referee Grant Irvine pointed to the spot shortly after half-time when he concluded that Scott Brown had handled.
Rovers were second best on the day despite starting the match well.
Chasing the game
“We are disappointed as you obviously never want to lose a game but I think Dundee probably deserved it in the end,” said MacDonald.
“We started the game pretty well in the first 20-25 minutes.
“We kept the ball well and were getting them moving but then they came back into it at the end of the first half.
“Losing the goals at the start of the second half totally deflated us.
“We ended up chasing the game and it became really open.
“But fair play to Dundee, they thoroughly deserved their win.
“I thought, second half especially, we looked quite tired and leggy, which is not like us.
“But you put it to the side and you go again next week.”
An even opening 45 minutes in which both sides had a spell of dominance was followed by a bright start to the second half by Dundee.
That culminated in Gary Bowyer’s men taking the lead from the penalty spot and doubling their advantage soon after.
Handball confusion
The Raith keeper is unsure what Brown could have done to get out of the way – echoing some of the thoughts of his manager.
“It hits him in the hand but he has turned away and his hands are into his body,” he said.
The handball decision:
“I don’t know what the rules are these days, I think that’s part of the issue.
“We talk about natural position, unnatural position, hands out – but for me his hands are in.
“He isn’t trying to make himself bigger – his hands are tucked in.
“But he has turned and it has hit his hand. I think it is very harsh.
“No one seems to know the actual rules, it is just on the interpretation of the referee and he has given a penalty.
“It is disappointing but it’s something we have to take on the chin and get on with.”
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