By Sean Davies
BBC Sport at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff |
 Murray's red card has split opinions |
Wales lock Ian Gough says Scotland second row Scott Murray was unfortunate to be dismissed following their clash in Wales' 28-18 win in Cardiff. "I feel sorry for Scott, I mistimed a tackle on him from behind as I didn't see the ball had gone," said Gough.
"He just lashed out as a reaction, something we've all done in the past, but his boot caught me in the head.
"Scott's a great competitor, I've had lots of tough battles with him and it's a shame he had to go off."
Murray faces an independent disciplinary panel in London on Wednesday (15 February), and Wales' management have said they will support the Scotsman's defence.
Scotland coach Frank Hadden says he felt the 21st-minute incident was accidental, and the squad have rallied round Murray as they hope he will avoid a lengthy ban for the red card.
"It's not right to be sent off for something you didn't mean and hopefully the management will get it sorted out with the powers-that-be in the days ahead," said open-side Allister Hogg.
Scotland wing Chris Paterson said: "It was unfortunate, but there's no question of Scott letting us down, he's a great guy.
"He's been an absolute legend of Scottish rugby for so many years, you can't isolate an incident like that.
"The loss was disappointing, but the pressure's off us now, there'll be no more ridiculous talk of Grand Slams.
"We have to regroup for England at Murrayfield, but we know we have to keep playing rugby, it's the only way forward."
Opinions amongst media pundits over the Murray red card were divided, ex-Scotland forward John Beattie feeling the decision was "unfair".
But former Wales captain and fly-half Jonathan Davies countered: "It's also unfair to kick someone in the head!
"It wouldn't have bothered me if Murray hadn't been sent off because it was done in the heat of the moment.
 |  The referee saw a kick to the head and he made the right decision |
"Sometimes you have to have played the game to get a feel for those sort of situations, but you can't argue with the red card."
Gough's Wales second-row partner Robert Sidoli was in no doubt that the appropriate action was taken.
"The referee saw a kick to the head and he made the right decision," said Sidoli.
"He was just, and also sent Goughie to the sin bin for a late tackle.
"If it gets reviewed by a disciplinary panel I think they will see that there was no intent, though.
"Scott was unfortunate that he caught Ian on the head, but it was dealt with so hopefully we can move on.
"In some ways being reduced to 14 men was positive for Scotland, they played like madmen and covered every inch of the ground."
MMIX
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