Arbroath manager Dick Campbell has questioned why one of his players would dive after being denied a strong penalty claim in the 2-0 Scottish Cup defeat by Falkirk – but admits that he is “clutching at straws” a little after the defeat.
The Bairns were good value for their win and face Hearts in the next round, with Campbell disappointed at the manner of his side’s exit.
(Photo by David Young/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Campbell wished Falkirk the best for the next round but wasn’t happy at his side being denied the second-half penalty shout.
“Why would my player dive?” Campbell asked after the full-time whistle.
“The left-back is out the game and he’s running forward after selling himself and the referee has told me to ask my player if he’s dived or not.
“I thought it was a penalty but I’m clutching at straws a little here. I’m very disappointed that we’ve gone out of the cup so tamely as that.
“Falkirk are needing the money as much as anyone else and that’s a great time they’ve got against Hearts and I wish them all the best in the next round.”
(Photo by Falkirk FC).
The Championship side returns to league action on Saturday when they face likely title winners Dundee United and Campbell will no doubt hope for a better performance than against the Bairns.
Despite the penalty shout, Arbroath never really looked like winning the tie and Campbell rightly had little complaint about the outcome.