Tommy Wright bemoans contentious penalty as St Johnstone held at Ross County

ST JOHNSTONE boss Tommy Wright was critical of the officials after a controversial penalty decision cost his side three points.

Greg Aitken awarded Ross County a penalty in the second half – which Alex Schalk converted to earn a 1-1 draw at Dingwall – but the Saints players protested furiously at the decision.

Chris Millar was deemed to have brought down Chris Eagles inside the area after a jinking run, but Wright claimed after the game that there had been no contact inside the area.

“The penalty decision is contentious,” he said. “Our players are adamant it was outside the box and I’ve seen it back: it’s impossible for the referee from the view he had to say 100 per cent that it’s in the box.

“Chris Millar’s feet never go in the box so it’s a tough decision but you have to make sure when you’re making them that you’re 100 per cent because they have big consequences.”

He added that he felt they should have had at least one penalty of their own after goalscorer Denny Johnstone was tugged down inside the area.

Wright said: “There’s a lot of moments we’re not happy with.

“Denny’s shirt was blatantly pulled in the first-half in the box, he was grappled to the ground in the box in the second-half.”

Owen Coyle was left to rue two dropped points after his side dominated the second period only to remain without a win since early November, although they still climbed off the foot of the table on goal difference.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt we should have had those three points ,” he said. “St Johnstone caught us cold and that’s something that’s easily avoidable for us.

“We huffed and puffed a bit in the first-half, we had one or two half-chances without glorious chances.”

He added: “Zander Clark was outstanding in goal for them, although I know that’s what he’s charged to do.

“But we should have been more clinical. Schalk did well tonight, he hit one off the post and then Billy has hit the goalkeeper twice.

“But I would be surprised if anyone at that game – even the most biased of people – thought Ross County didn’t deserve to win the three points.”