ON-LOAN Celt Liam Scales was at the centre of a ‘cheat’ storm after seeing red in Aberdeen’s 3-1 loss against Hibs at Easter Road yesterday.
The Republic of Ireland international defender was sent off after a clash with rival centre-back Ryan Porteous when referee David Dickinson issued a second booking and awarded the Edinburgh club a controversial penalty-kick.
The flashpoint incident happened in first-half stoppage-time with Martin Boyle scoring from the spot to level Luis Lopes’ early opener for the visitors – and Jim Goodwin was left seething at the actions of the Edinburgh club’s player.
SEEING RED…Liam Scales has something to say as he is banished by referee David Dickinson.
The Dons boss claimed he warned the match official about Porteous and stated the whistler had been taken in by the actions of the Scotland international.
Goodwin raged: “I don’t know how many times the boy Porteous can get away with that kind of stuff. We’re telling our players in midweek to be careful with him in the box and not to touch him as he will go over.
“I actually had a laugh and a joke with the referee prior to the game to make him aware of it. Unfortunately, just before half-time he was sucked in hook, line and sinker. Bought it.
“Obviously, it’s hard enough 11 v 11. To play 45 minutes against a good team like Hibs with a man less is virtually impossible.
“We showed our players a number of instances when Porteous has won penalties like that in the past. People will say he’s good at it and he’s clever – but it’s blatant cheating as far as I’m concerned and it’s cost my team points.
“Those points could be invaluable come the end of the season. Liam Scales has been a massive player for us and we’ve now got to go without him.”
YELLOW PERIL…Liam Scales is about to be booked after this challenge on two-goal Josh Campbell.
Goodwin, speaking to Aberdeen Live, added: “I told him (Porteous) to his face after the game what I thought of him.
“I don’t care what he reads in the paper on Sunday and Monday. He knows. He’s laughing about it. He celebrates winning penalty-kicks like he’s scored a goal.
“Listen, he’s a good player. He got his international recognition last week, but I just don’t know how people can be fooled by it continuously.
“The guys on Sportscene will no doubt highlight it and it will show his right arm around Liam Scales’ neck in a headlock, dragging him to the floor.”
Two second-half goals from Josh Campbell sealed the points for Lee Johnson’s team.
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