St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes accused Dundee United winger Danny Swanson of diving after the Tannadice side won a stormy Tayside derby 2-0.
Saints defender Steven Anderson lasted just 15 minutes after picking up a second booking in a controversial incident with Swanson, who appeared to go to ground easily. McInnes was also sent to the stand in the aftermath of Johnny Russell's opener for United, with St Johnstone complaining that he had scored from an offside position.
He said: "It's a real frustration. Steven Anderson has been booked but for a ref to send someone off after 15 minutes they have to be 100% sure. I was 100% sure Danny Swanson dived and having seen it on video, that's exactly what happened."
McInnes added: "He overran the ball, stuck his right leg into Steven Anderson, Anderson is backing off and defending like someone who has just been booked, and Swanson has thrown himself. It's really really disappointing. I don't think there's contact. And I felt he was going at him looking to get him sent off.
"The way the ref came over, I thought he was booking Swanson for diving, and I was delighted. It was exasperating seeing it go the other way. It's poor from the United player but you want the officials to get it right. No-one likes it (diving). I think there was an intent there to get Ando sent off, I'm clear in that.
As for his own dismissal, McInnes claimed he was merely trying to calm his players down. However, he could now face a four-match touchline ban.
"I was trying to get Michael Duberry away because he's one booking away from a suspension," he said. "The frustration was there because Johnny Russell was offside. I'll be reported, no doubt about that. That also means I'll get a four-game ban."
Dundee United moved two points closer to third-placed Hearts thanks to goals from Russell and David Robertson and manager Peter Houston defended Swanson against the diving accusations.
He said: "Anderson has committed a foul early and got booked. For the second one I thought he was going off the park but the referee chose not to. For the sending-off, I thought he got a trip on him but I would have to see it again.
"One thing I would say, Danny Swanson nicked it round him and tried to get past him. Danny is not a cheat. In saying that, Anderson should not have been in that position having committed two yellow card offences.
Source: PA
