Arbroath assistant manager Ian Campbell believes referee Craig Napier made the wrong call in dishing out a red card to Ricky Little.
Little was sent off in 18 minutes after hauling back Jean Pierre Tiehi as he raced clear.
But BBC Scotland replays showed the Hamilton striker running away from goal, with Tam O’Brien covering in central defence.
A big call from referee Craig Napier!
Ricky Little is sent off for pulling down Jean-Pierre Tiehi 🟥
Was there a man covering? 🤔#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/BFuWZ7LcQL
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) March 3, 2023
That sparked furious touchline protests from Lichties boss Dick Campbell.
Campbell was red carded himself for two bookings as he raged at Napier and fourth official Stewart Luke.
Arbroath bravely held on for a 0-0 draw with ten men but feel they could have won it.
“It was very frustrating,” said his brother Ian.
“I am probably a little biased but it was never a red card.
“The thing that annoys me is that, within a milli-second, the referee has the red card out and you wonder is he thinking right. But who would be a referee?
“We are frustrated that we didn’t win the game. We came to win and we’ve dropped two points.
“If we had kept 11 players on the park, we’d have won the game.”
Arbroath get their second red card on the night this time for manager Dick Campbell.
He seems incensed at first but still has time for a laugh with some of the Accies fans in the stand 😂#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/FXf9pBUE3n
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) March 3, 2023
Campbell was unexpectedly backed by Hamilton boss John Rankin.
Rankin said: “I was surprised it was a red card at the time.
“I have not seen it again but I will say if a players is through then you run the risk if you commit a foul.”
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