Stephen Robinson reckons the Motherwell players saved Chris Long’s blushes after his Lanarkshire derby day sending off.
The forward saw red in the first half of the goalless draw for back-to-back yellow cards against Hamilton Accies.
Long was booked first for dissent and then seven minutes later for a clumsy tackle on Accies man David Templeton, as his frustrations got the better of him.
The Fir Park gaffer praised his players who held on for a point and moved back into the European spot - but said they had saved Long’s neck on the day.
He said: “The players have pulled Chris Long out of the mire.
"I'm really disappointed, but I want to concentrate on the boys who were very good for me.
“I’m not disappointed with the red card, it was definitely a red card.
“I thought the boys' discipline after that was excellent and we reduced them to literally nothing.
“We were positive when we went down to 10 men and put two right up top.
“I thought we should have had all three points."
Asked if Long was disappointed in himself, Robinson said: "I would like to think so."
And on whether he'd asked for an apology, the Well boss added: "I haven't asked that question."
It turned out to be a good day for the Steelmen in the end, as Aberdeen lost 2-1 at home to Ross County, sending Motherwell a point clear of the Dons in third place with a game in hand.
Robinson added: "It’s a credit to the boys that we are back into third place with an opportunity to go four points clear."
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