First Division: Cardle sees red for barging into his own captain, while Adams gets police escort

THE pressure of playing and managing in the tightly-packed First Division boiled over when a player was dismissed for running 20 yards to get physical with his captain and a manager was given a police escort to the stand after also being dismissed by the match official.

Airdrie United winger Joe Cardle had already irked his employers by signing a pre- contract with Dunfermline Athletic without telling them, and Airdrie manager Kenny Black has been left wondering what to do with the former Port Vale and Clyde player.

Cardle had got the 4-4 draw with Livingston off to a flying start with a darting run that allowed recent signing John Baird to open his goal account for Airdrie.

Paul Hegarty's Livingston turned things around before half time when Leigh Griffiths was left unmarked at the far post from a corner and headed in, and less than 60 seconds later Armand One volleyed home.

Livi scored again in 51 minutes to start a frantic five goals in 16 minutes period when One collected a free-kick before turning and firing in a shot from 20 yards. Two minutes later, Paul Di Giacomo rose to head home a Matt Hazley cross. Griffiths restored Livi's two-goal advantage when he broke free on the right and fired in a drive that Stephen Robertson could only help into the net. This was the catalyst for Cardle's moment of madness as he ran and thumped into his skipper, Marc Smyth, drawing a red card from referee Steven Nicholls.

Spurred on by this, Airdrie pulled a goal back three minutes later when Baird shot home Darren Smith's cut-back and Smyth then made it four goals apiece when he headed home.

Airdrie manager Kenny Black did his best to hide his anger when he said: "I will have to watch my words carefully. All I would say is that there are so many positives at this club between youth teams that came in during the week to put down pitch covers and people who gave their time for nothing, that we can not let this event overshadow it."

Livingston manager Paul Hegarty was bemused by the game, saying: "Scoring four goals and not winning says it all about our defence."

Ross County manager Derek Adams was dismissed during his side's 0-0 draw with leaders St Johnstone at Perth. Adams and McDiarmid Park number two Tony Docherty clashed as they looked to get the ball back into play quickly, with Adams stumbling onto the pitch as a result.

Referee Eddie Smith ordered Adams to the stand and, as the Dingwall manager tried to plead his innocence, a policeman arrived to move him on.

The events overshadowed a dour encounter which added another game to St Johnstone's unbeaten run.

Adams later said: "I am the innocent party here as I got bumped onto the pitch, and the police are not getting involved."

Saints manager Derek McInnes added: "It was much ado about nothing and seemed a bit heavy handed, but it's not really any of my business."

Clyde were the only winners in the as they boosted their chances of avoiding relegation by winning 1-0 at Firhill against second-placed Partick Thistle. The match was won courtesy of a defensive blunder when Ian Maxwell rolled the ball back to goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey, who let it slide under his boot and roll into the empty net.

Queen of the South were held 1-1 at home by Morton, who have now climbed to fourth place. Veteran striker James Grady headed the Greenock men in front just before half time, with recent signing Martyn Lancaster levelling when he headed in his first goal for the club with 17 minutes left.