Ref McCurry Was Right To Show Red

Even if he could, Craig Levein wouldn`t appeal Christian Kalvenes`s sending off during the 3-2 win at Fir Park last weekend.

Kalvenes received his first booking for unsporting behavour, after a badly timed challenge on Motherwell`s Darren Lee Smith in the 18th minute.

Then in the 31st minute – just moments after United’s opening goal – referee Mike McCurry booked Kalvenes again, for a lunge at striker David Clarkson.

Two yellow cards equals a red, so Craig Levein`s side had to play-out almost an hour of the match with only 10-men.

Clubs You can`t appeal yellow cards, which means Dundee United cant ask the SFA to review the situation, but manager Levein was in agreement with Mike McCurry`s decision to send the defender off anyway.

“I can’t complain, because I think they were both fouls,” said Levein.

“If someone is going to get sent off, I would much rather it was for trying to win the ball and that`s what he`s done.”

“He was a bit late and it was two fouls, so I can’t complain about the referee, but it was a vital match for both teams and that is the kind of thing that can happen.”

“Christian has been helped by the boys going on to win despite being a man down for an hour, but it is a team game and the strength of a team is working even harder when one of your mates is in trouble.”

“Maybe in a week or two, it will be Christian`s turn to help someone else out.”