Livi boss adamant he did not verbally abuse fourth official

Livingston manager David Martindale has vowed to contest any suspension after being sent to the stand during his side’s draw with Dundee United, insisting he is not guilty of verbally abusing the fourth official.

Martindale was shown a red card after Livingston player Ben Williamson was dismissed for a late tackle in the final moments of the first half.

The Livingston boss now awaits a formal notice of complaint from the Scottish FA once the referee’s report is processed, and says he will ask for a disciplinary panel to hear the case. Martindale says he was accused of using offensive language but is adamant that’s not the case.

His version of events is that fourth official Lloyd Wilson put an arm across his body when Martindale went to ask the linesman for his view on Williamson’s sending off. He says he asked him to take his hands away, but did not swear, and he was sent off soon afterwards by referee Colin Steven.

Martindale also says that attempts to gain clarification after the match were dealt with in an unsatisfactory manner, with the manager being to told to just wait until the referee’s report was filed.

“It’s the fourth official saying I used offensive language, which I disagree with,” he said.

“I don’t understand how one person’s version of events is the [definitive] version of events. I’ve got two members of staff behind me, I’ve got video footage, though obviously no audio.

“I was just disappointed that when I went to speak to him afterwards he was adamant that I used offensive language, but he wouldn’t tell me what the offensive language was.

“I don’t understand that. I don’t know.

“I would have liked to have looked him in the eye. Id did tell him my version of events and said that is what happened.”

Martindale, who believes incidents like his could be dealt with quickly and efficiently at the ground rather than going through the lengthy formal process, says his account is truthful and consistent with his normal behaviour.

He said. “You ask anybody in this building, ask anyone who’s come through this football club.

“I don’t tell lies.

“I’m very honest. I can be harsh at times. But I’ll take my medicine.

“I don’t abuse officials. I’ve never done it.

“Yeah, I’m emotional and passionate but I don’t abuse people, I wouldn’t do that. I respect authority.

“So I feel a bit hard done by, if I’m honest.”