LIVINGSTON manager David Martindale was left fuming on Tuesday night as a controversial last-gasp equaliser from St Mirren extended the Lions’ winless run to 22 games.
In a high-stakes battle at the foot of the Premiership, Livingston looked set to secure their first league victory since August. After a tense first half at the Set Fare Arena, Robbie Muirhead sparked celebrations in the 56th minute, rifling a left-footed half-volley into the far corner after being picked out by Joshua Brenet.
However, the afternoon ended in fury for the home side when Saints’ Cypriot midfielder Alex Gogic headed home an 89th-minute leveller from a Scott Tanser corner. Martindale was adamant that Gogic fouled Brenet in the build-up—an incident he claims VAR completely ignored.
‘VAR Decision After VAR Decision’
Post-match, a visibly angry Martindale showed members of the media footage of the incident, which appeared to show Gogic pulling Brenet’s arm to gain leverage before connecting with the header. The result leaves Livingston three points behind Kilmarnock at the bottom of the table, though the gap could have been just a single point had the goal been disallowed.
“Lately it just seems to be VAR decision after VAR decision that is absolutely going against us,” Martindale fumed. “There is no other way to describe it. It is a foul on Josh by the man who scores—and you can clearly see that on the footage.”
The Livi boss continued his blast, suggesting the technology is costing his side their Premiership status. “We lose the points because of that. They are getting tougher to take. I’m really, really angry. How can that goal be given? It is a stonewall foul in our box—and again we don’t get it.”
A Familiar Foe
The draw comes just days after Livingston were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by the same opposition on penalties. Martindale admitted he found it difficult to critique his players, given the circumstances of the equaliser.
“I can’t go in there and batter the players, telling them to defend a set-piece better when there is a foul involved. I asked the ref what happened, and all he said was ‘VAR check complete.’ It’s killing us.”
While Stephen Robinson hailed the “character” of his St Mirren side for snatching a point, the narrative in West Lothian remains fixed on the officiating. Livingston must now dust themselves down for a daunting trip to face Aberdeen at Pittodrie this Saturday.
Is David Martindale right to be livid, or is this just the rub of the green at the bottom of the table? Have your say in the comments below!
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
