Referee admits to costly pen error

McDonald gave the spot-kick after Boyd went to ground under pressure from Simon Ford, with Kilmarnock players questioning how much contact had actually been made. Boyd went on to complete a hat-trick in the 3-1 victory. McDonald told the Scottish Football Association's website: "At the time I had a clear view from a good position, as both players came together. "My immediate impression was that Ford had barged Boyd, allowing him to play the ball. "However, having seen the TV footage, it is clear that Ford played the ball before bumping into Boyd and that no infringement actually took place. The decision to award a penalty was incorrect. "I am disappointed in myself in that my own high standards have been compromised." Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies had sharp words for 41-year-old McDonald after the match. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Jefferies was less than pleased to discover McDonald will be the referee at their CIS Insurance Cup final against Hibernian next month. He said: "I just found out that he's the referee for the League Cup final so I hope he has a better day then than he did. "I don't want to say too much as I will get into trouble. "But these are hard enough games and the last thing you need is to give Rangers a gift and a lift so early in the game but, unfortunately, Mr McDonald did that. "'Stunned' was the word when he gave the penalty." killie mad commenton Dougie McDonald's shocking performance at Rugby Park "No shit Sherlock you are not fit to referee a junior game nevermind the cis cup final"