NEILSTON co-boss Derek Carson has slammed the match official who abandoned his side’s clash with Wishaw on Saturday. 

The Farmer’s Boys season opener at Brig O’Lea was brought to an end after 32 minutes due to a serious injury suffered by the visiting goalkeeper when he collided with a goalpost.  

The keeper was taken to hospital but released early on Sunday morning. 
Neilston led 1-0 at the time through a Conor Bolger goal and whilst Carson was keen to stress that player safety is paramount, he believes the intentions of the referee were wrong. 

Speaking to Barrhead Sport, he said: “He had a gash to the back of his head and a sore neck so both physios decided they didn’t want to move him which is totally understandable. We phoned an ambulance and it was just a matter of waiting for that. The player’s safety is number one.

“I’ve calmed down a wee bit now but on Saturday I was shocked – in my 20 years of being involved at this level I’ve never heard of a game being abandoned because the referee had plans on the Saturday night. That was the reason he gave to both managers and players.

“It was a knee jerk reaction. The player was comfortable and he was talking and said the pain in the neck went away but understandably the two physios wanted to wait for the paramedics which was totally fine.

“I asked if he could give us to 3.30 which would have made it almost like a 3 o’clock kick-off and we still would be finished for 5pm. As soon as it hit 3pm he blew his whistle and disappeared.”

Neilston were praised by Wishaw on Twitter for the way they responded to the incident.

A social media post read: “The club are delighted to report that Ian (sic) has now been released from hospital having received treatment for his head wound and has received the all clear on his neck. Thank you again for all the messages of support coming in from everyone. The club wish Ian a speedy recovery. 

“Once again, we would like to offer our thanks to the Neilston physio, our own physio and the spectator who helped to treat Iain.

“A big thanks also to the committee and helpers of Neilston for helping us yesterday. Very much appreciated by all of us at Wishaw.”

Neilston travel to St Roch’s this evening ahead of welcoming Vale of Leven to Brig O’Lea on Saturday.