A SUGGESTION by a Courier reader that a fund should be set up to pay any fine Dundee United manager Craig Levein might incur for his comments following his side’s controversial encounter with Rangers last weekend would not get to the root of the problem, a fans’ spokesman said yesterday.

The idea was mooted by former senior referee and Tannadice season ticket holder Tom McDonald who thought such a collection would ensure Mr Levein was not punished for “speaking the truth.”

The United manager was highly critical of the performance of referee Mike McCurry and is backed by the club, which is expected to lodge an official complaint about aspects of his decision-making.

However, his outspoken stance is likely to lead to a fine from the Scottish Football Association whose chief executive, Gordon Smith, backs the ref.

Shug Falconer, chairman of the Federation of Dundee United Supporters Clubs, said Mr McDonald’s suggestion would be a “nice gesture” but added, “There’s a fundamental problem in Scottish football that everyone outwith the Old Firm can see. Setting up a fund to pay a fine wouldn’t change anything.

“Managers and supporters are getting very frustrated and the whole system needs turned over. Rather than a fund, I would like to see managers coming together. Jimmy Calderwood (of Aberdeen) has already supported what Craig said and we need more of this.”

Mr Falconer said that, despite the spotlight that has been thrown on to the subject, he did not expect the SFA to tackle the sense of injustice often felt by provincial sides and their fans when playing against Celtic and Rangers.

He added, “It’s obvious from what Gordon Smith has said that it’s business as usual for the SFA.

“Craig Levein is speaking for directors, fans, players, managers and everyone connected with clubs outside of the Old Firm but my gut feeling is that nothing will change.

“They will carry on with their heads in the sand and Draconian fines being handed out whenever people exercise their freedom of speech. The SFA are the only ones who think the system is working.”