His anger and frustration at the officials' incompetence was understandable as were his comments on the performance of his own players.
The referee and his assistant had clear views of McDonald's cross as it hurtled to Mitchell's top right corner and they would have seen the 'keeper step back into his goal. His back rested against the post but the ball, held high by both hands, led the way over the line. The travelling support, behind Mitchell's goal, was in no doubt that their team had taken the lead but John Beaton got no indication from his man on the line and the 'keeper was allowed to continue.
Hear no evil, see no evil....
The manager had earlier made the point that the first goal would be a crucial factor in the game and we can only speculate on the final outcome had the goal been awarded. What followed was a poor display from Motherwell.
In the following hour McDonald was caught in possession several times and just before the break we paid dearly for his loss of the ball. McGhee was later to say that the loss of the goal that followed cost us the game.
In the second half we were barely able to muster a shot. We failed to make any telling runs on either flank and the long balls into the heart of the Dundee defence were easily contained by the opposition backs.
Such is the compact nature of the league table that the difference between a win and a loss can be dramatic. Three points would have moved us up to the top half, instead we join the pack one point off the bottom.
The focus will now move to the visit of Partick Thistle after the international break. If we are to achieve a positive result on November 19 there will have to be a much improved performance.