Craig Levein refuses to point finger at ref

Nov 16 2008 By Gordon Waddell

CRAIG LEVEIN refused to point the finger at rookie ref Euan Norris for denying the penalty that could have sparked a Dundee United comeback.

The Arabs had a massive claim when sub Jon Daly was sent crashing by Willie Gibson with 20 minutes left - but Norris denied them the lifeline that could have eaten in to their two-goal deficit.

However, after seeing his side slump for the second time this season to Killie, fail to add to their single away win and also drop out of third spot the Tannadice boss said: "I can't blame the ref for us not passing the ball can I?

"I saw the penalty clearly but there were so many bodies in the box both he and his assistant missed it - what can you do?

"We just weren't firing on all cylinders. The first halfwas so bad we should have refunded the fans.

"I said last week I was worried about us being tired but after winning in midweek if I'd made the changes and we'd lost, I'd have kicked myself." Midfielder Willo Flood agreed the Arabs hadn't run out of steam - they hadn't even got near boiling point.

He shrugged: "We weren't at the races.

"Sure, we maybe tired against Aberdeen but then put on a real show in midweek against Hibs and hammered them.

"It wasn't fatigue, it just showswhat can happen when you don't get to the pace of the game.

"We'll be ready for Hamilton in a week."