PERTH, Scotland, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Daniel Phillips was sent off on the brink of half-time, but St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson said he was “confused and perplexed” by the red card as his side battled to a 1-1 draw with St Mirren on Saturday.
The 22-year-old Phillips was ordered off on the brink of half-time as he caught Ryan Flynn above the ankle in a challenge that looked stomach-churning, but he was only trying to swivel the ball away from his opposite man.
Referee Craig Napier initially cautioned Phillips, but upon a VAR review, the player was ordered off from the Scottish Premiership contest.
“I thought Dan [Phillips] had stamped on his leg, but I can’t see it,” Davidson said.
“I don’t know how VAR can change his mind because it’s not clear and conspicuous.
“I’m not sure what Dan’s meant to do. Where is he meant to put his foot? I thought the original decision, the yellow card, was right.
“It’s a huge decision that has a huge impact on the game. There’s no malice, no force.”
Substitute Zak Rudden gave the 10-man hosts an unlikely lead in the 75th, but Alex Gogic powered in a late equalizer four minutes from time.
St Mirren remains fifth, while St Johnstone stays eighth.
Phillips, who joined St Johnstone in August last year after being released by English club Watford at the end of the 2021-22 season, has made three appearances for Trinidad and Tobago since making his debut in March 2021 against Guyana.
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