Sutton: Miranda didn't deserve the elbow

Sep 28 2008 By Euan Mclean

Premier League

HONEST John Sutton last night admitted Buddies sinner Franco Miranda did NOT deserve to be sent off for elbowing him.

The defender walked when linesman Graham Chambers saw them tussling on the touchline.

Sutton reckons that was harsh and ref Steve Conroy should have only given Miranda a warning.

The striker said: "There was not a lot in it. I got my arm out to give myself a bit of space and it was just a reaction from him to push it away.

"He was maybe a little over the top but it was not by any means a red card. If the referee had just told him to calm down a bit it wouldn't have been a problem because it was nowhere near my face and there was no intention to hurt me."

Frustrated Saints boss Gus MacPherson will appeal the dismissal if TVevidence backs up his belief it was hard on his player.

And he praised Sutton for speaking out. Gus said: "Sometimes we question the honesty of players too often but it's pretty decent of John to admit that. I appreciate it.

"The referee didn't see it and was quite happy for the linesman to deal with it. We'll see if camera angles can help us with an appeal but Franco is adamant he did nothing other than to try and free himself.

"It's disappointing when you've put so much into the game and quite clearly deserve something out of it."

Mark McGhee said 19-year-old striker Jamie Murphy will start against Nancy in midweek after an excellent display yesterday.

The Well boss said: "Jamie was prepared to make it happen. Am I tempted to throw him in against the French? He's first on the sheet."

MATCH STATS

Shots on 5

Shots off 7

Offside 0

Fouls 10

Corners 7

Bookings 1

Shots on 5

Shots off 5

Offside 2

Fouls 10

Corners 5

Bookings 3