Livingston boss boils over after penalty snub

As the match entered its closing stages, Livi striker Jordyn Sheerin had his heels clipped by the Wasps’ Steven Hetherington when bearing down on goal. The home side were convinced the offence took place inside the box but referee Alan Muir awarded a free-kick before sending Hetherington off.

The result – which confirmed Alloa’s relegation to League One – saw Livi fail to capitalise on eighth-placed Dumbarton’s 0-0 draw with Morton as the teams battle to avoid the Championship play-offs. The Lions remain in ninth place, two points behind the Sons, who have a game in hand.

Hopkin said: I know it was inside the box.

“I apologised to the referee straight after the game but the whole stadium – and Alloa – thought it was a penalty.”

Alloa boss Jack Ross insisted his players shouldn’t be “embarrassed” after suffering the drop.

The former Hearts Under-20s coach said: “The players knew the potential outcome if they didn’t get three points and we stressed to them to show pride and they did that in abundance.

“I don’t think we could get too much out of the players in terms of effort and performance.

“They have nothing to be embarrassed about.

“Disappointed, frustrated, hurt – all these things, yes. Certainly not embarrassed.”