Jackie McNamara says Dundee United should have had a penalty in Celtic defeat

Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara thought his side should have got a first half penalty which could have changed the course of their 2-0 Scottish League Cup defeat to Celtic.

The Hoops won the league cup for the 15th time on Sunday after goals from Kris Commons and James Forrest secured the win while United had captain Sean Dillon sent off in the 56th minute of the final at Hampden Park. 

But McNamara thought Ryan Dow deserved a penalty when he went down in the box under a challenge from Hoops skipper Scott Brown, with Celtic only leading 1-0 at the time.

United's penalty shout was rejected, however, and Forrest went on to score Celtic's second. To rub salt in the wounds, the Hoops were awarded a penalty of their own, although Forrest saw it saved.

Asked if referee Bobby Madden should have pointed to the spot for United, former Celtic defender McNamara said: "Yes. I'd like to see it again.

"He was very slow to make a decision - or not make a decision - whereas with their one he was very quick off the mark to point to the spot."

No. It was hard to see from my position but what I have been told is that it is a good decision. I think the referee was very good.

Deila disagreed, and said: "No. It was hard to see from my position but what I have been told is that it is a good decision. I think the referee was very good."

Dillon was off the pitch getting several stitches inserted in a gashed leg following a challenge with Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk when Commons fired the Glasgow side ahead at the second attempt after a fine save from United keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak.

Irishman Dillon was about to be replaced by Blair Spittal when he ran out of the tunnel and re-joined the action.

McNamara said: "I was about to make the change. It seemed to be taking too long and it proved costly at that point for us.

"I was turning around every two minutes to try to see what's going on, to try and see a doctor or physio.

"You're that far away from everything in that technical area. Again it's hindsight.

"But I'm feeling frustration, disappointment.

"I'm proud of the players, the way they responded. I thought a lot of things went against us today but we stuck to our task right to the end despite the disappointments and the setbacks in the game.

"Certain things didn't go for us but I can't fault the lads for effort and commitment."

On Dillon's red card, he said: "Sean is disappointed. He went for the ball, he didn't mean to catch him.

"He got a few stitches. It was a big gash on his leg - which they got a throw-in from."