Lee Miller protested his innocence over his role in Aberdeen's late penalty to secure a 2-1 SPL victory against St Johnstone at Pittodrie on Saturday.
Liam Craig looked to have earned Saints a point when he cancelled out Sone Aluko's excellent goal with 15 minutes remaining, only for Miller to win a penalty after being adjudged to have been fouled by Perth defender Danny Grainger.
Miller took the spot kick himself to grab his second goal of the season and give the Dons only their third win of the campaign.
Both Grainger and Saints manager Derek McInnes protested referee Euan Norris's decision and, while Miller did not appeal for the penalty, he admits he was not going to attempt to change the official's mind.
He said: "It was one of those ones where I was bursting into the box and the two of us were jostling.
“He grabbed me, I grabbed him, but there was contact in the penalty area. I didn't even claim for the foul but, of course, I am not going to complain it was given.
“As a defender I would be disappointed if it was given against us but you cannot grab people in the box.
“I don't think I would have been upset if the referee had waved play on as it was a collision in the box.
“I can see it from everybody's point of view, but it's the referee's opinion that counts.
“St Johnstone gave a great account of themselves and were unlucky to lose but it is a great three points and I hope we can build from here. Decisions even themselves out during the season and we have had the luck in this game.”
The victory, Mark McGhee's second at Pittodrie, looked unlikely when Craig levelled and the visitors pushed hard again for a second equaliser following Miller's goal.
The nervous Dons, however, held on and Miller hopes the result can be the catalyst for a revival in his side's fortunes after the international break.
He said: “We have not played near our best football this season and the first 10 minutes of this game was probably the best we have shown so far.
“We played some good stuff, created some chances, and looked good, but there is still room for improvement.
“We are mid-table but we don't fear any of the teams in the league. There isn't a lot between any of the teams this year and if we can progress from here, I think we will do all right.”
The Dons’ victory came at a cost, with Aluko suffering a stomach injury which has left McGhee fearing the worst.
Miller saw enough in the Nigerian international's 45-minute display to convince him his team-mate is nearing a return to his best form.
He said: “It was a fantastic piece of skill from Sone and I am delighted for him. It was a wonder goal as he took it past one player and then nutmegged the next before slotting it away. The goal will do him the world of good.”