Liam Kelly slams 'arrogant' referee in Aberdeen defeat as Motherwell skipper left fuming by Jack Vale dismissal

Liam Kelly branded referee Craig Napier “arrogant” after his Pittodrie performance and for refusing to give explanations on the big calls that left Motherwell empty-handed.

The official took centre stage for two big second-half calls. He red-carded Jack Vale for a challenge on Jack Mackenzie, a decision which Motherwell have said they will appeal this week. Napier and his assistants then awarded Aberdeen a corner even though the last touch had come off Stefan Gartenmann. The tin lid was put on things when the same Dons defender got his head on the corner to net the only goal of the game.

Well captain Kelly accepts everyone makes mistakes but said he was disappointed by the way Napier took charge of the game and refused to speak to the players on the pitch or the Motherwell management team afterwards. Kelly said: “I didn’t enjoy the way he was speaking to people today. I don’t care about his position but more as a guy.

“Just be sound, don’t be so arrogant. Some of the stuff he was saying was so arrogant. I don’t care if he makes mistakes because we all make mistakes – referees, players, coaches and fans.

“We all make mistakes but you should never come away from being a decent person. The way he spoke to some people was pure arrogance and I didn’t like it.

“The best refs in the league you can speak to just like a normal person. They might have got it right or wrong but they are sound with you.”

Steelmen boss Stuart Kettlewell claimed that, at the sending-off, Vale hooked the ball away and MacKenzie came crashing into his player, while Vale insisted he was innocent in the away dressing room. Kelly, who made his 150th Motherwell appearance in the game, said: ”He looked over his shoulder and felt he could get to the ball