Peter Houston frustrated by referee's calls
Last updated on .From the section Football
Dundee United manager Peter Houston was unhappy with two of St Johnstone's goals as his team came from 3-1 down to claim a draw at McDiarmid Park.
Houston disputed a penalty, given for dangerous play, and a free kick from which St Johnstone scored.
"The referee wrongly gave a penalty kick," Houston told BBC Scotland. "Johnny Russell is saying he kicked the ball against David Robertson's face.
"The second St Johnstone goal baffles me even more."
United made the dream start, with Barry Douglas shooting them in front inside the first minute.
But Houston's men went into the interval trailing 3-1 after a double from former Tannadice striker Francisco Sandaza and Liam Craig's free kick.
"I thought we dominated the first 30 minutes," explained Houston.
"We got the early goal, which is always nice, and I thought we could've had two or three."
The penalty was awarded by referee Charlie Richmond when striker Johnny Russell hooked the ball away and appeared to catch former United team-mate David Robertson with a high boot once the clearance was made.
"Now, I'm not saying David Robertson should not have gone down," said Houston. "But the referee has given a penalty and I don't know why."
Craig's goal followed shortly afterwards and Houston was not pleased at the decision that led to the free kick.
"Garry Kenneth was standing his ground and Jody Morris jumped into him," the manager complained.
"They get a free kick for and score.
"It was poor defending for the third goal and I was angry with Garry Kenneth for going to ground when he could have stayed on his feet."
Having aired his grievances, Houston was quick to praise his young side for a stirring comeback.
"We tried everything to get back into the game and I felt, by the end, that we could have won it," he added.
"We had four Under-21s in the starting line-up. We're trying to rebuild a team and it will take a wee while.
"We'll get inconsistent performances but the players give everything.
"Defensively we can do a lot better but it's hard to be harsh when they've come from 3-1 down and it's a good point for us in the end."
