First Team
Match Report | Rangers 1-1 Dundee United
23rd November 2024
Dundee United Manager Craig Levein today called for accountability and openness in the way the Scottish game is officiated, together with fresh solutions to overcome some widely acknowledged issues.
Speaking after he had taken time to study the statements issued yesterday by SFA Chief Executive Gordon Smith and referee Mike McCurry, the Manager said, "I would stress that this is not an attack on one referee. What I and many other people are unhappy about is an archaic system whereby there is no accountability for referees who make mistakes that, in our case, potentially cost us hundreds of thousands of pounds.
"The financial pressures surrounding the modern game are such that it is no longer possible to rely solely on a system that depends entirely on individual interpretation, particularly when this can be subject to huge external influences both on the day and in subsequent media pressure. Human nature means that if there is a close call, the chances are it will be in favour of that which is likely to result in less fallout.
"Mr McCurry has now admitted he got two major decisions wrong; decisions that arguably lost us points and possibly several hundred thousand pounds. We feel he got considerably more wrong. And yet, the SFA have chosen to criticise only me for voicing criticism of the referee's decisions and made it clear they will not accept such criticism. However, surely it is the incompetence on the part of one of their key figures that should be questioned and examined by them, with the individual being called to account. This at least might ensure a deterrent against future incompetence.
"It is also perhaps time to look at fresh initiatives to overcome any perceived bias or external influence behind decision making. The SFA response seems to suggest that these mistakes will continue to happen and that criticism of referees cannot be tolerated as it discourages people from becoming referees. Maybe therefore we should look at a fundamental change in the way referees are recruited. Perhaps we should now pay referees what they are worth to the game and make it a career rather than a part time hobby.
"We should also be looking seriously at technology to assist the officials and to again overcome any suggestion of bias, influence or incompetence in situations where close decisions have to be made.
"What I am looking for is fairness in the way games are officiated and decisions made. I am also seeking constructive solutions and dialogue and this can only be achieved if questions can be raised and answered in an open manner, without the constant fear of draconian reprisals."
The Club will be raising these issues officially with the SFA authorities within the next few days. It is not United's intention to drop this subject at this time, as we consider that this matter is too important to remain unresolved.
Speaking after he had taken time to study the statements issued yesterday by SFA Chief Executive Gordon Smith and referee Mike McCurry, the Manager said, "I would stress that this is not an attack on one referee. What I and many other people are unhappy about is an archaic system whereby there is no accountability for referees who make mistakes that, in our case, potentially cost us hundreds of thousands of pounds.
"The financial pressures surrounding the modern game are such that it is no longer possible to rely solely on a system that depends entirely on individual interpretation, particularly when this can be subject to huge external influences both on the day and in subsequent media pressure. Human nature means that if there is a close call, the chances are it will be in favour of that which is likely to result in less fallout.
"Mr McCurry has now admitted he got two major decisions wrong; decisions that arguably lost us points and possibly several hundred thousand pounds. We feel he got considerably more wrong. And yet, the SFA have chosen to criticise only me for voicing criticism of the referee's decisions and made it clear they will not accept such criticism. However, surely it is the incompetence on the part of one of their key figures that should be questioned and examined by them, with the individual being called to account. This at least might ensure a deterrent against future incompetence.
"It is also perhaps time to look at fresh initiatives to overcome any perceived bias or external influence behind decision making. The SFA response seems to suggest that these mistakes will continue to happen and that criticism of referees cannot be tolerated as it discourages people from becoming referees. Maybe therefore we should look at a fundamental change in the way referees are recruited. Perhaps we should now pay referees what they are worth to the game and make it a career rather than a part time hobby.
"We should also be looking seriously at technology to assist the officials and to again overcome any suggestion of bias, influence or incompetence in situations where close decisions have to be made.
"What I am looking for is fairness in the way games are officiated and decisions made. I am also seeking constructive solutions and dialogue and this can only be achieved if questions can be raised and answered in an open manner, without the constant fear of draconian reprisals."
The Club will be raising these issues officially with the SFA authorities within the next few days. It is not United's intention to drop this subject at this time, as we consider that this matter is too important to remain unresolved.
