St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin was frustrated with the defeat against Hearts after Kristian Dennis was sent off after clashing with Peter Haring.
Goodwin’s team got back into the game with five minutes remaining with a goal from skipper Joe Shaughnessy just before Dennis was dismissed by referee Colin Duncan just nine minutes after coming off the subs bench.
And while not defending his player’s actions, the St Mirren gaffer said Dennis is not a nasty player and offered a reason.
Goodwin said that the 31-year-old was frustrated not to start any of the opening two league matches.
He told Express Sport: “We had to throw everything at it at that point which is why we threw Joe up top and went two for two at the back.
“But if we had kept 11 men on the pitch then there’s no doubt we give ourselves a better chance to go and cause Hearts more problems.
“But it is what it is unfortunately.
“Kristian saw a bit of red mist and it looks like he’s caught Haring on the side of the head.
“He’s not a nasty player. His disciplinary record down through the years isn’t bad.
“Haring has stepped in front of him to try to block him and the referee sends him off.
“It’s not ideal for Kristian as he’s going to miss two games.
“He’s a goalscorer who was frustrated not to start today or last week.
“Curtis Main and Eamonn Brophy have developed a decent enough relationship in pre-season and in the League Cup which is why they’ve been given the nod.
“But you want an impact from your subs.
“You want him to go on there and freshen things up, cause the opposition one or two problems.
“Unfortunately he wasn’t on the park long enough to do that.”
