United Manager Backs Referees Over Pay.

Dundee United manager Craig Levein has publically backed Scottish referee`s in their dispute over pay.

Even after his £5,000 fine this week for criticising Mike McCurry`s performance against Rangers, Levein stood up for the men in black.

"My opinion is that referees should be full-time and should be paid a good salary," admitted the United manager to the BBC.

"You wont catch me saying that referees are over-paid, because I think they are underpaid."

"There is enough money in the game right now and I think it would help everybody concerned."

There were concerns that the referees could strike this weekend over pay, resulting in the first matches of the new SPL season being postponed.

However, the SPL have instead agreed to increase the amount of money that Scottish referees are paid for officiating a match and have confirmed that the weekend fixtures will go ahead as planned.

"At a meeting today with the SFA and the SSFRA, the SPL undertook to carry out a benchmarking exercise across European football to establish the appropriate fees going forward," admitted Iain Blair, Operations Director of the SPL.

"The referees are seeking £800 per match. This exercise will involve the participation of all parties over the next 6 weeks or so."

"Contrary to speculation earlier today, the Clydesdale Bank Premier League fixtures this weekend will go ahead as planned."

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