Graham Alexander: Frustrated Motherwell boss speaks out on Liam Donnelly red card

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander watches on from the stand.

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander admitted referee Andrew Dallas’ decision to send off his midfielder Liam Donnelly during the 0-0 draw with Hibs.

Donnelly was shown a second yellow card on 73 minutes after a tackle on Hibs substitute Drey Wright, with Alexander saying that the call was “harsh”. He was also flashed a red card by Dallas for taking his protestations too far and said he was not given an explanation as to why he was banished to the stand.

“They are there to make decisions,” Alexander said of the referee. “I thought the second one was harsh. Liam has probably made two fouls all game. I saw their centre-halves making foul after foul in the first half and just a warning. That was where my frustration was.

When asked if Dallas spoke to him, Alexander continued: “No. Like I say, I was frustrated because I thought Liam was harshly dealt with on the second yellow card.

Motherwell's Liam Donnelly (centre) is sent off by referee Andrew Dallas.

“After having a really clean game, to get a player sent off for that in game between two teams who had both competed really well… I didn’t see any maliciousness all game.

“I think it’s a harsh decision and I made my view point. But obviously I’m not allowed to.”

Alexander was, however, pleased with the way Motherwell competed with Hibs, the draw keeping them two points clear of the capital club in fourth place in the cinch Premiership.

"We held out with ten men but it wasn’t holding out before that,” continued Alexander. “We were the team who had the chances, made their keeper make senses. I don’t think we conceded a shot on target so I thought we played really well.

“When it goes to men men, it’s tough but even then we threatened to score the winner a couple of times. I’m really proud of my players tonight. I thought they were excellent against a very good team. A point was the least we deserved.”

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