McGhee calls for change to rules after McDonald's suspension

Published on Tuesday 24 November 2009 08:40

MARK McGHEE admits Aberdeen were not "up to speed" over the rule that led to Gary McDonald's red card in the 1-1 draw at Motherwell.

But the Aberdeen manager believes the midfielder's suspension against Rangers is a punishment too far.

McDonald will miss the visit of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders on Saturday after receiving a second yellow card against Motherwell when he lifted his shirt over his face while celebrating his equaliser.

McGhee branded Crawford Allan's decision "ludicrous" immediately after the game but he now accepts the referee was only following rules. However, he wants suspensions for such offences to be eased. "I think there has to be rules because there are extremes in situations where players run away with their shirts off," McGhee said.

"The other extreme is like Gary McDonald where he pulls the jersey up over his head in front of his own fans. Gary was unaware that simply pulling it over your face would result in a booking.

"We've got to be up to speed in terms of the rules and we weren't on that one. One of the things I think could be changed is when a player is sent off for something like that, I don't think he should miss the next game."