Former English Premier League referee Keith Hackett reckons Alan Power fully deserved his red card for a studs-up lunge on Celtic's David Turnbull.
The St Mirren midfielder left his team-mates in the lurch as he was dismissed by match official Willie Collum after just 19 minutes with the score at 1-0.
The Buddies would go on to concede another five without reply as Turnbull recovered to net a stunning hat-trick, while Liel Abada scored twice and Odsonne Edouard also got in on the act.
Some pundits, including Michael Stewart, reckoned Power could have escaped with just a booking but Hackett was right behind his fellow whistler as he spoke to Football Insider.
He said: "Oh dear, that is a clear red card challenge.
"It’s serious foul play. The referee is in a brilliant position to make the correct decision. Well done the referee.
"If a player comes in with both feet or one foot off the ground he’s out of control. If he’s showing the studs the ball cannot be used as an excuse. Even if he took the ball and man it’s a red card.
"The referee’s given the red card and I am 100 per cent supporting the referee.
"He’s ignored the ball and fulfilled the requirements of serious foul play.
"Sometimes the light ball goes on and that’s the reaction you get from players."
