McGhee fights his corner on dodgy refereeing decision

May 4 2008 By Mark Guidi

MOTHERWELL boss Mark McGhee last night blasted Steve Conroy for the dodgy decision that sent his side spinning to defeat against Celtic.

Well were set to take a huge step towards European football when striker Chris Porter headed them in front on the hour.

But Scott McDonald levelled within two minutes and the Hoops claimed a controversial late winner through sub Georgios Samaras.

The striker headed home from a Barry Robson corner but TV pictures proved it should have been a goal kick instead as Bobo Balde headed the ball out.

The Well fans were furious and chanted "cheat" at whistler Conroy after watching their side lose out on the chance to move clear in third place.

McGhee said: "Afew decisions went against us. Scott Leitch has had words with the referee in his usual diplomatic manner.

"For Celtic's winner I'm adamant it was not a corner.

"It was a poor decision but a small one. It wasn't as though we had a man sent off. We still had a chance to defend the corner and didn't do that well enough.

"We haven't defended set-pieceswell enough all season.

"Brian McLean is 6ft 3in and it was disappointing McDonald got above him to head home the equaliser.

"But we will pick ourselves up and get on with it. We still have enough games to finish in third place and that is our aim.

"The players have been great this season and we know we are into the final push.

"The lads know what is required and they are capable of winning the games left."

When asked about his side's controversial winner Hoops boss Gordon Strachan aired his own grievances about the referee and other officials in the country.

He said: "Motherwell are angry about the corner? Well, I'm still furious about the goal we didn't get at Inverness earlier in the season. We also had a few offsides against us that day.

"So when you think about it we're all furious. We're all angry about decisions that have happened this season.

"In today's game Shunsuke Nakamura was mugged in the first half.

"He had five tackles on him in the first 15 minutes that he could have reacted to. But, as they say in Glasgow, he managed to 'keep the heid'. Credit to him for that."

Celtic are now eight points clear of Rangers who play the first of four games in hand at Easter Road today.

Walter Smith's men know they can't afford any slip-ups against Hibs if they are to stay on track for the championship.

And Strachan was pleased his side didn't cut them any slack by losing points at Fir Park.

He said: "We won and that is what is required at this stage of the season.

"People want us to play beautiful football but that can't always be possible. Today was about common-sense football. At times they were better physically and we had to adapt.

"When Motherwell took the lead I wasn't concerned as I know what my players are capable of.

"They have the willingness and desire to go to the final whistle."

Strachan brought on Samaras and Scott Brown as his side chased the win and the move paid off when the Greek striker scored the winner.

The Celtic manager said: "McDonald got the leveller then the substitutions paid off.

"I'm lucky to be able to bring on decent players from the bench because it is something that can win you games."