Combe angry over penalty decision

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Highlights: Kilmarnock v Celtic

Kilmarnock goalkeeper Alan Combe was critical of referee Mike McCurry and Celtic's Shunsuke Nakamura after Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Rugby Park.

Combe thought the Japanese dived, and McCurry bowed to pressure, when Celtic were given their second penalty.

"The big grin on Nakamura's face tells a story. He went down too easy, without a doubt," said Combe.

"You could see the abuse the referee was getting with all the singing. Maybe that played on his mind, I don't know."

The match was the first high-profile encounter officiated by McCurry since Dundee United manager Craig Levein accused him of bias after a defeat at Ibrox last season.

It was a difficult situation for Mike McCurry. If he had given a lot our way, that may have caused a stir Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies

And the referee was pictured in a newspaper on Sunday allegedly singing Rangers' unofficial anthem 'Simply the Best'.

McCurry awarded three spot-kicks during the match, including one to the home side.

But Combe took umbrage at the one that lead to Celtic's third goal, when Nakamura was adjudged to have been fouled by Craig Bryson.

"There were 11 players on that pitch and 5,000 Killie fans who were upset by that decision because it was never a penalty," said the Kilmarnock goalkeeper.

"In saying that, they were 2-0 up at the time and we were never in the game - but losing three goals was disappointing."

MY SPORT: DEBATE McCurry's integrity was in question yesterday and the Celtic fans bullied him into giving them the decisions required to win the game nawitsno

Combe's manager, Jim Jefferies, agreed with his goalkeeper.

"We've been told that television monitors showed that it definitely wasn't a penalty," said Jefferies.

"It was a difficult situation for Mike McCurry. If he had given a lot our way, that may have caused a stir.

"But I'm not looking for an excuse for my team. We deserved to lose the game."

Celtic manager Strachan defended his player.

"I think Nakamura was phenomenal again," he said.

"I would be unhappy if I thought he was taking a penalty against me."