Livingston boss David Martindale bemoans refereeing display but admits delight at victory over Aberdeen

Livingston boss David Martindale admitted he was bemused by the refereeing display during their 2-1 victory over Aberdeen at the weekend.

Kevin Clancy issued 14 yellow cards - including one to Martindale's opposite number Stephen Glass and two to Livi winger Cristian Montano as the Lions ended the contest a man light and battling valiantly to cling onto the three points in a match in which they were in complete control for large spells.

Clancy appeared to lose control of proceedings with the final 20 minutes or so resembling little more than playground petulance as both sets of players had to be routinely dragged apart.

Despite hitting out at the display, Martindale though did admit Colombian ace Montano had been 'naive' in the incident that resulted in him seeing red with six minutes remaining.

Montano appeared to raise both hands to Aberdeen's Vicente Besuijen after he had attempted to drag Bruce Anderson off the park following a tackle.

Martindale commented: "I’m still trying to get my head round how there could be 13 yellow cards in that game.

“It’s incredible. Are you not allowed to tackle anymore? I can’t believe we walked off the park with eight of my players booked - nine if you include Cristian's double yellow.

“I think with Cristian’s second he gave the referee a decision to make. He put his hands on the player. I think he has been naive because you can’t put your hands on an opponent when you’re on a yellow.

“And I told the boys at half-time them they had to watch because four of them were on yellows.

“Aberdeen do that side of the game very well. I’m not saying it’s cheating, I don’t mean that at all. They’re very streetwise.

“But the boys were all in the changing room after the final whistle enjoying