Steven McLean in spotlight again as Hamilton and Partick bosses both criticise referee

PARTICK THISTLE manager Alan Archibald claimed under-fire referee Steven McLean should not have been handed their trip to Hamilton as both managers claimed they were denied clear penalties.

McLean took charge of the goalless Ladbrokes Premiership encounter at the SuperSeal Stadium, two days after missing several major incidents in Motherwell’s Betfred Cup semi-final triumph over Rangers.

And the referee was once again in the spotlight in a game devoid of good football and low on chances, although the visitors hit the woodwork twice.

Archibald could not believe Dougie Imrie was not penalised for handball in the box when he blocked Ryan Edwards’ second-half shot.

The Jags boss said: “I thought we edged it on chances, had a couple of great chances and a couple of penalty claims as well, one which was an absolute stone-waller. After watching it back it looks even worse.

“The handball was ridiculous. I thought the only reason he didn’t give it was because it was so close when he blasted the ball but he moved his hands like a goalkeeper towards his face. And the ref’s in a great position.

“Look, I’m not battering Stevie but he had a big game on Sunday and when refs have games like that they just want to get through the next one and maybe shouldn’t be taking the game.

“He’s a good referee but I think he just wanted to get through the game because I’m in disbelief after watching it back. Dougie lifted his hands up to protect his face, I don’t think the rules allow you to do that.”

Hamilton boss Martin Canning felt his side should have had two penalties, firstly when Jordan Turnbull grappled with Greg Docherty, and then when McLean gave a free-kick on the edge of the box after Niall Keown tripped Antonio Rojano.

Canning, who was at least satisfied to keep a clean sheet and stop a six-game losing run, said: “I thought Antonio’s was in the box and Greg Docherty got manhandled to the ground.

“I thought he was going to give it and then looked to change his mind, I don’t know what the reason was.

“It looked a stonewall penalty and it looked to me like he had seen it as well, obviously he hasn’t given it so he must have thought there wasn’t enough in it.”