HEATED DIABATE IN LATE ESCAPE

A FRAUGHT finish triggered double red card rage as St Johnstone extended their lead to eight points.

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Simo Valakari’s side were two up inside 20 minutes.

Jamie Gullan’s sixth of the season and a first Saints goal for Cheick Diabate looked to have them on easy street.

But keeper Matty Connelly kept Airdrie in it and Danny Lennon's men responded as sub Cammy Cooper set up a nervy finish for the visitors.

An outbreak of handbags in the final minute of stoppage-time saw Lloyd Wilson book FOUR players.

The ref then flashed reds at Diabate and home sub Aaron Reid as the final whistle sparked another rammy.