Dundee United midfielder Willo Flood goes into meltdown after Livingston red card — but manager forgives him

The Irishman completely lost his cool after being shown a second yellow card for shoving Livingston’s Shaun Byrne, at the end of the 3-2 defeat

Willo Flood went into meltdown on Monday night (Getty)

Dundee United boss Csaba Laszlo has refused to point the finger at Willo Flood despite his skipper's incredible Tannadice meltdown.

The Irishman completely lost his cool after being shown a second yellow card for shoving Livingston’s Shaun Byrne, just two minutes from the end of the 3-2 defeat in the first leg of their Ladbrokes Premiership play-off semi-final.

Already on a booking, Flood collected a needless second yellow for a push on Byrne right under referee Nick Walsh's nose.

Willo Flood getting intimate with Shaun Byrne (BT Sport)

The furious midfielder then took a swipe at a BT Sport television camera as he made his way towards the tunnel.

His dismissal means he will now miss Friday's crucial return clash at the Tony Macaroni Arena as the Tangerines look to avoid spending a third season in the Championship.

But Laszlo - who revealed defender Bilel Mohsni is a doubt for the second leg with a groin strain - said: "It's very painful because he is a very good captain. But I am sceptical about the decision, I would have to watch it again, because in the first half the Livingston player should have had a red card.

"Willo was frustrated but he's only human. This was a big chance for us to move up the leagues so it was painful for him. It is frustration and I have no problem with that.

"I will protect Willo. He always gives 100 per cent and he was just frustrated and that's OK with me. That's not a problem."