John Hughes: Willie Collum's penalty reasoning "absolutely rubbish"
Inverness manager John Hughes respects Willie Collum for listening to him following Saturday's penalty controversy - even if he thought the referee spoke ``absolute rubbish'' himself.
Inverness manager John Hughes respects Willie Collum for listening to him following Saturday's penalty controversy - even if he thought the referee spoke absolute rubbish'' himself.
The Euro 2016 referee awarded Aberdeen a stoppage-time penalty after Danny Devine appeared to block a shot with his chest, allowing Adam Rooney to net an equaliser.
Hughes still feels a sense of injustice and wants his team to take that into their Premiership game at Hamilton on Wednesday night.
He said: I went in to speak to Willie Collum. That's one thing about him, you respect that. He is open to the way you feel about what happened and that's great.
The last time I went in to see a referee after a game, I think it was after Ross Draper got sent off against St Johnstone and I promised myself, with the way they conducted themselves in that room, that I would never go in again. They treat you like a wee boy. But I'll not forget that, that's for sure. It's personal, it sticks with me.
But Willie is a different kettle of fish, you can go in and speak to him. It was human error, and it was certainly a mistake. We just need to lick our wounds, get on with it, and use it as a tool to kick us on.''
Hughes added: You expect better from Scotland's number one referee. In injury-time, in that box, with his positioning, he needs to get that call spot-on, and I think he got it wrong. I think the TV evidence proved that and you just feel totally let down.
It amazes me. What does he think he saw? Because it certainly never hit his arm or his hand.
And when I went into speak to him I asked the question and he felt his arms were in an unnatural position.
That's absolute rubbish because an unnatural position is if your arms are out like you are nailed to a cross or they are above your head. When you come out and block it, that's a natural position. So I'm bitterly disappointed and it cost us.
But it's done and dusted, I don't hold any grudges. We are all open to human error and make mistakes. But throughout the season, does it even itself out? I'm not too sure if it does.''
Meanwhile, Hughes revealed his bid to extend striker Miles Storey's loan deal is ongoing, although it may be complicated by the fact Swindon boss Martin Ling has stepped down for health reasons.
The deal was done and we were hoping that, as soon as the six months were up, we would carry on,'' Hughes said.
But the goalposts have been moved a little bit. Lee Power, the chairman at Swindon, is an ex-team-mate of mine when the two of us were at Hibs. He's a lovely lad, a loveable rogue and a great personality.
It's just a matter of getting him on the phone and trying to get the deal done and hopefully that will happen in the next couple of days.''
Another issue which was delayed was a contract extension for Draper, who was offered a new two-year deal in November.
Draper said: I had a setback on my injury and I also had the birth of my first son. So I have had a few things on my mind that have taken me away from thoughts about contracts.
I had a setback on my ankle which put me out for another three weeks. I have been working my socks off in the gym to get back playing and help the team and I have just come back now.
It's at the back of my mind but it's not something I can deal with, I will just let the club and my agent get on with it.''