Gordon Strachan was sent off after a curious argument with the fourth official about who could and couldn't be in the technical area. Strachan even went so far as to bring a police officer over. However, even though the officer's knowledge of the rules had to have been greater than the match officials he was powerless to act.
Strachan said: "I was sent off because the fourth official didn't know the rule and I did. New rules passed this summer saying you can have two people in the technical area box so long as only one does the coaching.
"I was told to sit down but it wasn't me coaching it was (assistant manager) Dennis Rofe. I was standing at the back with the fourth official. It is embarrassing when officials don't know the rules and I want an apology."
"I should be all right on the rules but if I get a word from the referee I'd love to give them an explanation. In the end, though, it is just a technicality."
Having had to watch the match form further back, Strachan endured the agony of a poor Saints performance along with the rest of us. "The referee sent me off but he should have sent me home, straight to bed without any supper. That way I wouldn't have had to watch the rest of the match," said Strachan.
David Moyes was a little bit perplexed that his side should have conceded a penalty. Apparently Mr. Moyes, delicately expressed hi concerns over the incident after the game to the referee. Choice statement concerning numerous expletives were then heard by anyone tuning into the Saint digital station. Considering that match officials have been told to take a tough line on abuse from managers and players, I would be surprised if Mr. Moyes was not punished by the FA.
Having taken a nice big valium, Moyes came back out and said: "Having seen the penalty incident again on video I'd be amazed if anybody else agreed with the referee's decision.
"It is hard to accept we've been defeated like that after playing so well, but if we keep up that kind of performance we'll be OK."
Oddly enough, it still looks like a penalty on the replays, Moyes would be the first to encourage his players to simulate if it meant winning a game, and heaven help them if that's if Moyes considers that a good Everton performance. They were as rubbish as ourselves. At least our manager admits it and gets on with improving the situation.