St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson "really disappointed" with decision to send Dan Phillips off

Callum Davidson was left “really disappointed” with referee Craig Napier’s decision to send Dan Phillips off.

The in-form St Johnstone midfielder saw straight red in the first half of Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with St Mirren.

Phillips was initially yellow carded for his challenge on Ryan Flynn but, after a VAR check, it was upgraded to red.

“When I initially saw it, I didn’t really think there was anything in it,” Davidson said.

“I don’t think he raised his leg or did anything with malice or pace. He had the ball and the guy was sliding in.

“When it went to VAR, I thought Dan must have raised his leg and stamped on him.

“Looking at it back, he didn’t. We’re really disappointed with the decision.

“If he’s following the rules… he’s obviously made contact with the ankle or foot, they say that’s a yellow card and a yellow card should be given.

“I don’t know why he goes to VAR. Again, it’s really difficult because if we’re going to send players off for that I don’t know what Dan’s meant to do with his foot.

“He didn’t even see him, he’s just turned and I’m not sure he can change the direction of his leg in mid-air. It wasn’t even that high.

“I genuinely don’t know why it was a sending off. It’s a big point in the game and made it really difficult for us.

“If that’s a red card, I think there’s going to be a lot of red cards between now and the end of the season.”

Saints, despite the numerical disadvantage, managed to nudge ahead with fifteen minutes remaining when Zak Rudden guided in a delightful, looping header.

Alex Gogic levelled for the visitors with time running short, also thanks to a header.

“We were better with 10 men,” Davidson added. “We worked extremely hard.

“Zak came on and did what I asked of him when I brought