Tony Docherty blasts ‘disgrace’ decision to disallow Dundee goal as Motherwell comeback earns victory.
Furious Tony Docherty slammed the decision to deny Antonio Portales a superb second goal, as Motherwell overturned Dundee’s 1-0 lead to win 2-1 at Dens Park.
The Dark Blues deserved their lead after a positive first 45 minutes, highlighted by Portales’ unstoppable volley into the top corner.
Seconds before halftime, it appeared that he had repeated the trick, only for the Video Assistant Referee to intervene and rule Clark Robertson offside.
Motherwell took control after the break, levelling through Tom Sparrow, before VAR intervened again, this time for referee Kevin Clancy to dismiss John Koutroumbis.
Tawanda Maswanhise of Motherwell wins. Image: Craig Foy/SNS.
Despite being down a man, the Steelmen secured all three points with a stoppage-time winner from Tawanda Maswanhise, who outjumped Clark Robertson.
Docherty cited a disallowed goal in his post-match comments following Dundee’s defeat, which puts them two points ahead of Ross County in 11th place.
“My huge frustration in the game today – and I’m not abdicating responsibility as Dundee manager for losing a game we should never lose – but the decision to disallow the second goal in my opinion is a disgrace,” tweeted Docherty.
“Officials are devising ways to prohibit goals.
“It alters the dynamics of the game. The opposition will undoubtedly benefit from this decision.
Antonio Portales’ joyous celebrations were cut short by VAR. Image: Craig Foy/SNS.
“Antonio Portales scores a fantastic goal with his right foot in the top corner, followed by an even better one with his left.
“And the officials devise a way to prevent that goal.
“I’m extremely frustrated by that.
“This game for spectators is all about entertainment, and that entertainment comes from teams scoring goals.” You can see the fans’ reaction when Antonio scores his second goal.
“I’ll say it again: I’m not abdicating responsibility.
“Our second-half performance was excellent, and the decision boosted them.
“We went deep and let them get back into the game by not matching a runner.
“When they send a player off, we go for it, bringing on an attacker and going 4-4-2.
“We shouldn’t have lost it; it was a ridiculous goal to lose the match on.
“Given the outcome today, it would have been an important point.
I spoke with the referee.
Referee Kevin Clancy consults VAR. Image: Craig Foy/SNS
“I spoke with the referee, and he stated that Clark Robertson was offside, but I believe he has no bearing on the outcome.
“If anything, it’s Joe Shaughnessy’s challenge.
“So I seriously question that.
“But it was not the referee’s decision. Referees no longer referee games. What does a linesman do?
“They offer throw-ins. There are no offsides anymore.
“And it is constantly making wrong decisions. That’s where I get frustrated.”
‘Can’t continue making mistakes.’
Docherty continued, “I’ll accept accountability and responsibility for us losing a game we should never have lost.
Motherwell’s John Koutroumbis saw red after fouling Ziyad Larkeche. Image: Craig Foy/SNS
“At worst, we should draw.
“I’ll deal with it as Dundee’s manager.
“We will reflect on how we lost the game; I will accept responsibility for it, as will the entire team.
“With three games remaining, we can’t keep making mistakes like that.
“The second goal was very soft, but I don’t want to blame anybody. “We’ll deal with it.”
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