Motherwell 2 - 2 Dundee Utd: Gannon calls for action as ref infuriates both teams

Published on Sunday 29 November 2009 21:48

JIM Gannon has urged the Scottish Football Association to routinely seek the views of managers on referee displays after the Motherwell manager and Dundee United counterpart Craig Levein slated Alan Muir's performance in this draw.

United finished this exciting contest with nine men after Prince Buaben and Danny Swanson were sent off. Buaben received a second yellow card for a soft foul on Jim O'Brien after being booked for dissent when he was penalised for what looked a fair challenge.

Jon Daly levelled for the ten men in the 83rd minute but United were grateful for Nicky Weaver's one-handed save from Keith Lasley's strike after Swanson had been shown a straight red card for a late tackle on the Motherwell midfielder. Levein argued both red cards were wrong but admitted Jennison Myrie-Williams was lucky to avoid a second booking for a foul on Steven Saunders.

Gannon was in full agreement and was even more scathing of Muir's performance, claiming it spoiled the game. The former Stockport manager decided to go public with his criticism after accusing SFA head of referees development Hugh Dallas of failing to respond to two letters he had written in relation to refereeing performances. The SFA later disputed that assertion but Gannon wants a formal review procedure.

"We had major problems in England," Gannon said. "When we started dialogue about trying to improve refereeing standards, you need to have managers' feedback. After they viewed the video, they were able to give a presentation in written format. If there was a massive difference between the referees observer and the manager, they would ask questions and phone you. I'm not a party to (SFA referee observers' reports) and they don't ask me my opinion."

Gannon and Levein, who marked Muir's display as "one out of 10", could find themselves in trouble with the SFA, who later claimed Dallas had replied.

A spokesman said: "Hugh Dallas accepts there was correspondence from Motherwell Football Club and the manager, and can confirm the letter was responded to within two days."

The controversy overshadowed an open game which sparked into life when Andy Webster fired United ahead in the 14th minute. John Sutton headed an equaliser within 90 seconds and Lukas Jutkiewicz notched his sixth goal of the season with a 25-yard strike. Well looked in control after Buaben's dismissal midway through the second half but Daly denied them victory.