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Jack Ross defends ‘conscientious and honest’ Ian Harkes following huge Willie Collum call in Kilmarnock clash

Harkes trudges off following his dismissal
Harkes trudges off following his dismissal

Jack Ross has leapt to the defence of Ian Harkes after the Dundee United midfielder’s match-altering red card against Kilmarnock.

Harkes, 27, received his marching orders following an ill-judged sliding challenge on Liam Donnelly, with Willie Collum flashing a second yellow card at the American — albeit it seemed to take the whistler a moment to realise that was indeed the case.

Harkes was already on a caution after attempting to prod possession away from Sam Walker as the Killie keeper threw the ball into the air ahead of launching a clearance up the pitch; an eminently avoidable booking.

However, Ross insists ‘conscientious and honest’ Harkes was not guilty of petulance. Instead, it was a misinterpretation of the rules.

Ross ushers Harkes away from the fourth official

“I’ve not seen the second yellow back yet so I can’t say if it was deserved,” noted Ross.

“The first one is [justified] by the letter of the law. It’s a caution. It’s a bit of an anomaly as people would say the ball in play when he [Walker] throws it out his hands — but it is a cautionable offence.

“Ian is a smart guy. He’s not done that believing he would get a caution.

“So, it’s a learning experience.

“He’s really conscientious and honest in what he does. I don’t mind mistakes as long as players are authentic in what they do and I believe I have that with this group.”

Frantic finale

United took the lead at Rugby Park through a Dylan Levitt thunderbolt from 20 yards on the cusp of half-time. After the break, the visitors had settled into a comfortable pattern.

Taylor, right, celebrate his late leveller

And even after Harkes’ dismissal, the Tangerines were diligent and resolute.

As such, Ash Taylor’s 90th-minutes leveller — while merited on the balance of play — was a galling finale for the Terrors.

“I couldn’t necessarily say we deserved to be ahead at half-time,” acknowledged Ross. “But we were tough and resilient.

“We scored a brilliant goal and, in the second half, I thought we were really good and had a lot more control of the game.

“We looked like we would be the ones to extend our lead but the dynamics can change at any point — and on this occasion it was through the red card.”

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