BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
SEETHING Allan Johnston insists Falkirk winger Myles Hippolyte owned up to conning referee Gavin Duncan as 10-man Dunfermline succumbed to tempestuous derby defeat against Falkirk.
The Pars were leading 1-0 thanks to Nicky Clarkâs 14th goal of the season when Hippolyte plunged to the turf under a challenge from Sean Murdoch inside the box, allowing Aaron Muirhead to restore parity from the penalty spot.
Duncan was public enemy number once again when he then dismissed Lewis Martin for hauling down John Baird as the striker hared through on goal, and Falkirk made their numerical advantage count when substitute Nathan Austin headed home a fine Craig Sibbald delivery.
Johnston fumed: âItâs never a penalty, I’ve seen the video. Sean Murdoch palms the ball out and Hippolyte just goes down, he dives.
âThen, for him to come down the tunnel and say it [that he dived] – I donât know if he was just trying to be smart or not, because our boys obviously werenât happy.
Wow!!! ?? pic.twitter.com/BADKWBT7qV
â Dunfermline Athletic (@officialdafc) April 22, 2017
âBut itâs really poor when you see boys diving and it changes the game. We played really well, we were in control at that time and it totally changed the course of things.
“I asked the referee if he wanted to see the video, to make him realise what a poor decision he has made – because it has cost us the chance to go on and win that game.”
Falkirk boss Peter Houston said: “I don’t know if it was a penalty or not, I couldn’t see it. I know Sandy [Clark] and Allan [Johnston] were not happy, but the referee has given it – so it’s a penalty!”
Falkirkâs triumph ensures they remain one point ahead of Dundee United in the race for second spot with two games left to play.
Houston added: âNot many teams will come from behind to beat Dunfermline here. With Dundee United getting a last minute goal it was even more important.â
