Dundee United 3-1 St Mirren: Jim Goodwin hails penalty-taker Amar Fatah’s bravery

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin hailed Amar Fatah for his bravery in taking a vital penalty as his side beat ten-man St Mirren 3-1.

The Buddies opened the scoring through Dan Nlundulu with the Terrors’ Zac Sapsford equalising with a free-kick.

United were then awarded a penalty following a VAR review with Alex Gogic being shown a straight red card by referee John Beaton for his challenge on Nikolaj Moller.

Fatah, who missed a crucial spot-kick in a shoot-out that saw his side exit Europe against Rapid Vienna in August, was chosen by his manager to take it and he calmly converted, with Craig Sibbald adding a third late on.

And Goodwin praised on-loan Troyes winger Fatah’s bravery.

The manager said: “I thought it was a penalty at the time. I thought Niko Moller had an opportunity to have a strike two or three yards out and it was a clear foul.

“Amar Fatah showed great courage and bravery to step up and slot it away with such composure, especially after what happened here in Europe against Rapid Vienna in the penalty shoot-out.

“I’m glad that he’s been able to put that one behind him now.

“I shouted him over and told him to take it.

“He’s very, very good in those situations.

“He was absolutely gutted and in tears after the game against Vienna.

“I don’t think there’s any better way to put those types of things behind you than to go and step up and put the next one in the back of the net – and he’s done that brilliantly.”

St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson was disappointed in the two decisions he felt cost his side the game.

The Sapsford free-kick was awarded after Buddies keeper Shamal George was adjudged to have handled the ball outside his box, with the manager also displeased with the award of the penalty.

Robinson said: “Two decisions change the complexion of the game.

“The first one, the ball is on the line. I have seen it back and I’m certain of that.

“It’s hard to be critical of Shamal, he’s made the right decision.

“I believe if any of the ball is on the line, the rule is even if the shadow is on the line. There was nearly three-quarters on the line!

“The linesman gave it, not the referee, from 30 yards away and he’s got to be certain of the decision.

“He’s a long, long way away and I’m certain it’s not a free-kick.

“For the penalty, I’ve not seen it from behind the goal I have to admit, but he’s trying to block the ball.

“I’ve only seen one angle and John described it as the ‘worst tackle he’s ever seen’ to some of our players.

“Whether it’s right or wrong, I can’t say, but the two decisions change the whole complexion.”