Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara admits he knows exactly how Nadir Ciftci feels on missing out on the League Cup Final because the same thing happened to him during his playing career.
Ciftci was stunned to learn after the semi-final victory over Aberdeen at the weekend that his booking against the Dons meant he would have to sit out next month’s final with Celtic as it was his second caution of the tournament.
McNamara suffered similar heartache in 2001 when he was booked playing for Celtic against Rangers in a League Cup semi and subsequently missed the final against Kilmarnock.
He sympathises with Ciftci’s plight and believes the two-booking rule is one that needs to be looked at.
McNamara said: “It’s frustrating for Nadir because I looked back at the booking he got against Hibs and it was never a booking.
“He actually slipped and got a yellow card for it and that has proved costly.
“It’s a real shame for him because he’s desperate to play in the final but unfortunately these things happen.
“I got it in my playing career. I was booked in a semi and missed the final against Kilmarnock.
“It’s not nice sitting in the stand and for the team it’s a blow because he’s a big player for us.
“Being banned for two bookings is harsh, it’s a severe punishment.
“I think it should be a ban for a sending off but not for a soft booking in a semi-final.
“It’s a lot easier to get bookings these days so the rules should maybe be looked at because of it.”