Aberdeen raging over disallowed last-gasp goal as Celtic go top of SPL

Apr 20 2008 By Mark Guidi

But Zander Blasts Ref

RAGING Zander Diamond last night blasted referee Iain Brines for disallowing a last-gasp goal that would have crushed Celtic's dramatic title fightback.

Aberdeen lost 1-0 after Georgios Samaras scored in the 55th minute to take Gordon Strachan's side to the top of the SPL.

But in a nervy end to the match Diamond appeared to snatch a draw with a close-range effort that Brines controversially decided had hit the Dons defender's hand.

Diamond said: "I headed the ball and don't know how Brines can say I handled it. It was an absolute joke - but that just sums Brines up.

"I'm disappointed the goal was not allowed to stand. Missing out on a point could cost us at the end of the season. It's also given Celtic a win that might take them to the title.

"I made an effort to ask the referee about the decision but was told to go away.

"That kind of attitude angers me and a lot of players. If he is meant to be one of Scotland's top officials then we're in trouble.

"He can go to his work on Monday morning but we have to pick up the pieces. It bemuses me.

"No doubt I'll be up in front of the SFA for my comments."

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood was more guarded and said: "The ref was adamant it was handball. My players say it wasn't.

"I don't want to say much more than that. I've vowed not to go back to Hampden this season unless it is to see Scotland in action.

"I've taken satisfaction from our performance - especially after losing 4-3 in the cup last week to Queen of the South."

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan was delighted with the victory ahead of the next showdown with Rangers. But he is sweating over the fitness of four stars - Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Paul Hartley, Lee Naylor and Andreas Hinkel.

They will all face intensive treatment in a race to have them available to play.

Strachan said: "At this moment I don't know if I will have them fit for selection.

"We'll have a clearer picture in the next couple of days and I hope they are all available.

"As a manager you want all your players fit, especially at this time of the season when every game is vital."

Strachan was pleased with the win over Dons and said: "The first half wasn't the greatest I've seen.

"We got a wee break when Aberdeen hit both posts in the first few minutes. We were comfortable after that without really being threatening.

"We were more positive in the second half and I was delighted we got the goal.

"There were opportunities to get the second goal but we didn't take our chances.

"But at this stage it is all about winning."