Inverness manager Terry Butcher took issue with the dismissal of Greg Tansey after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Celtic.
Tansey was controversially sent off in the 36th minute of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match by referee Stevie O'Reilly as he jumped for the ball with Georgios Samaras. The visitors went on to win the game with two second-half goals from Anthony Stokes to leave Butcher frustrated afterwards.
He said: "I've just seen the incident. The ref said to Greg he led with elbow - it's actually illegal use of the fingernail. Samaras has gone down like he's been hit by a sniper. It's definitely not a red card."
He added: "The rest of the game is over as a contest when that card's issued.
"Celtic will say it (Inverness) is a tough place to come, well it was certainly tough for us today when the referee makes a decision like that."
The former Rangers defender and Motherwell boss continued on ESPN: "Up to that moment in the game it was a good open game with both teams very much in it. I was really pleased. Then we had a man sent off and it was very much backs against the wall."
Hoops boss Neil Lennon was pleased his injury-hit team took three points from the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.
He said: "I'm delighted. After coming into the game with trepidation because of a number of injuries, I can't speak highly enough of their efforts.
"Our first goal was wonderful. When you've got players like (Gary) Hooper, Stokes and (James) Forrest on song that's the sort of football you can produce - and it was on a very difficult surface.
"The only time I criticise the boys is when the consistency levels aren't there but we've seen it (consistency) in abundance in the last few games. We've lost one game in 14, so we must be doing something right."
Source: PA
