Red-carded Miranda will miss Gers clash

Sep 30 2008 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

SAINTS won’t be appealing the red card shown to Franco Miranda at Fir Park, Express Sports can reveal.

The Argentine left-back was ordered off following an alleged elbowing offence on former Saints striker, John Sutton , who is now with Motherwell.

Despite referee Steve Conroy missing the incident, he went on the advice of far side linesman Graham Chambers and sent Miranda, right, for an early bath with 20 minutes remaining.

But Saints boss Gus MacPherson has been unable to obtain any video evidence to help prove his player’s innocence and will not appeal the decision.

As a result, Miranda is going to miss Sunday’s big game with Rangers at Love Street, which is to be televised live on Setanta.

MacPherson said: “The pictures we have are inconclusive, so there’s nothing we can do about Franco’s red card and he’ll be suspended for the Rangers game.”

With Miranda definitely ruled out for the weekend, it means the Saints defence could be virtually wiped out with possibly three recognised players on the sidelines.

Centre-back Will Haining is still trying to recover from a calf knock, while right-back Jack Ross picked up a hamstring injury during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Motherwell and is also a doubt.

MacPherson revealed: “It’s too early in the week to determine things, so we’ll need to wait and see how our injured players respond to treatment.”

Meanwhile, Saints second string head north today to play Inverness Caley Thistle in the SPL Reserve League.

This afternoon’s game takes place at the Tulloch Stadium and will kick-off at 2pm.