Ross County defender Leo Hjelde left devastated over spot kick call at St Mirren
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Ross County defender Leo Hjelde felt there was no contact between him and Collin Quanar before the referee pointed to the penalty spot at St Mirren.
That moment proved to be decisive as it led to the only goal of the game, but the Staggies were furious about the decision – protesting both when the spot kick was given, and then again at the full time whistle.
Both clubs’ managers said in their post-match interviews that it was a soft penalty, but while disappointed, the 17-year-old’s only option is to attempt to move on.
“We just have to try and do better next time,” he reasoned.
“I haven’t seen it back yet but in the moment I felt it was a simulation. I felt that I didn’t even touch him, but that’s the ref’s decision.
“The boys were devastated that he gave the penalty but there is nothing that you can do about it afterwards.
“We need to try and pick up points but we didn’t get them here today.
“We have to use that as motivation and look towards the next game. We need to try and create more chances and score more goals.
“It was difficult but there is nothing we can do about it now. It is a huge game now next week against Kilmarnock and hopefully we can get the three points.
“We have been creating chances and we just need to put them in the back of the net. If we do then that I am quite confident that we can win the next few games.”
Hjelde had looked comfortable before the penalty, even switching from centre back to left wing back in a tactical reshuffle at half time – and he hopes the experience will bode well when he returns to parent club Celtic.
“This will hopefully put me in a better position to go back there and try to play football at Celtic,” he said.
“That is what my goal is and all the minutes I get here will help me.
“Every game I get just now is a bonus for me.
“You don’t see a lot of 17-year-olds playing in the Scottish Premiership so I am looking to make the most of this experience.”
