Inverness Caledonian Thistle head coach Billy Dodds disgusted at decision not to overturn Danny Devine's red card
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HEAD coach Billy Dodds says he was left disgusted by the decision not to overturn Danny Devine's red card against Arbroath in the Premiership play-off semi final.
The club's appeal to overturn the decision was rejected at an SFA Fast Track Tribunal at Hampden on Wednesday.
It means the Northern Irishman is out of tonight's Premiership Play-off first leg clash with St Johnstone at the Caledonian Stadium.
Devine was sent off after it was judged he fouled Jack Hamilton and denied him a goalscoring opportunity at Gayfield last Friday.
Wallace Duffy was also sent off at Arbroath and will miss tonight's match, but his decision could not be appealed as he received two yellow cards.
Dodds says he was left speechless at the decision, which has ruled Devine out of tonight's clash.
“We haven’t been helped by the red cards. I was speechless and you could have knocked me over with a feather.
“I’m disgusted with the decision and it was one of the worst I have ever seen.
“They said that Danny was denying a clear and obvious opportunity. Yes there was some contact, but the ball is two thirds of the way through its journey to Mark Ridgers.
“There’s no way anyone can look at it and say Jack Hamilton is definitely getting the ball and scoring.
“We are where we are and we have to be ready for it.
“It’s all there for us but we have to keep our focus."
Shane Sutherland is also out of tonight's clash after he was stretchered off at Gayfield with a knee injury.
Roddy MacGregor and Tom Walsh are also out with injuries and while Dodds says it is a blow, backs his team to do the business and reach the Premiership.
“I’m gutted for all the boys who are missing it," says Dodds.
“Roddy MacGregor has been a huge player for us and we miss his energy. Tom Walsh was coming onto a game.
“I’m gutted for Shane but he’s a strong minded boy and it would stand him in good stead.
“I would have liked him in the team and to lose him is a big blow.
“We have players who can come in and make the difference and get us where we want to be.
“You can say to the players about doing it for the boys who are missing out.
“They have slaved their guts out and picked up injuries and been big players.
“There would be nothing better than to get to the Premiership and that’s what we want.”
