McInnes feels 'validated' after St Mirren controversy

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes feels "validated" after discussing his concerns around officiating in the 2-2 draw against St Mirren with Scottish FA head of refereeing Willie Collum.

Killie had Joe Wright sent off in Paisley but McInnes was perturbed after St Mirren's Shaun Rooney escaped punishment for clashing with Kyle Vassell.

"We felt really let down on some of the decisions," said McInnes. "That has now been validated by the referee department. It was validated by a phone call that I had with Willie Collum on the Monday after the game.

"I thought it was a real low for the refereeing department, that performance."

And he added: "I feel I've always had a good line of communication with Willie when he was a referee, as a player or a manager.

"I'm not here to praise the referee department, Willie in particular, because they're being transparent. I think it's the way it should be and I'm glad that he sees it that way.

"I do think he's a guy who will make change and get things right over time and I think he'll implement a standard that's needed.

"I think we've got some really good referees and good officials in the country but we've also got a few who need some work.

"And for me it's quite galling the fact that the St Mirren player involved plays next week and Joe gets a three-game ban."