St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright and referee Craig Thomson have held penalty peace talks.
Wright was left furious by Thomson’s decision to give a spotkick to Celtic for a “handball” against defender Keith Watson with Saints defending a 2-1 lead at McDiarmid Park on Sunday.
TV replays showed that Keiran Tierney’s driven cross struck Watson on his side before brushing his elbow.
Significantly, Watson’s arms were not raised but instead stayed tucked in.
Hoops substitute Moussa Dembele took the disputed kick and the runaway Premiership leaders went on to win 5-2 as Dembele bagged a hat-trick.
Wright was also adamant Saints had been denied penalties of their own when Parkhead captain Scott Brown brought down Danny Swanson and Dedryck Boyata wrestled Joe Shaughnessy to the ground.
However, Wright last night revealed that the under-fire official had been in touch to talk through the controversial calls.
Wright refused to divulge details of the conversation but stressed: “I really appreciate Craig taking the time to ring me.
“We had a good chat which has cleared the air and there are no problems whatsoever between us.
“I feel it is important managers and referees have a good relationship and that sort of communication can only help.
“My opinion on the key incidents hasn’t changed but it is done and dusted – it’s gone. We move on as a team and a club.
“If Craig gets our game with Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup on Saturday I will have no problem with him.
“I still believe he is a good referee and I have total respect for him.
“Ultimately, I still think the decisions I highlighted after the match should all have been different in the context of that game.
“But referees, like managers and players, make mistakes and I’m sure Craig will look back and think he may or may not have done things differently.
“The controversy overshadowed a cracking game of football and that’s a pity. I know Craig wouldn’t have wanted that and neither did we.”
Meanwhile, Wright has called for the introduction of Euro-style officials behind the goals.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has advocated finding the cash to bankroll full-time officials.
Wright said: “How do we help the referees? I see Brendan mentioned the possibility of full-time officials if we could afford it in Scotland.
“But having assistants behind the goals can help, giving another two pairs of eyes on what is happening on the pitch. Maybe that should be the next step.
“Goal-line technology would also assist but I’m not a fan of rugby-style TMOs (television match officials) coming into football, even though we would have gained from it on Sunday.”
Saints midfielder Murray Davidson required treatment to a dead leg but should be ready to face the Jags.
