THE fall-out from last Saturday's controversial match between Rangers and Dundee United continued today with Tannadice boss Craig Levein calling for radical changes to officiating at SPL matches.

He claims the SFA should consider introducing professional referees to ensure match officials are held accountable for costly mistakes.

Levein, who was unimpressed by SFA chief Gordon Smith's criticism of his comments about referee Mike McCurry, labelled the refereeing system in Scotland as "archaic".

The United boss was incensed by errors at Ibrox, since acknowledged by McCurry, which saw the visitors denied a penalty and a goal in their 3-1 defeat.

He believes referees under the current system are often afraid to make a decision which might make them unpopular.

Smith had said the nature of the criticism of McCurry was "extremely unfair and does nothing to encourage more people to take up refereeing".

Levein said: "Mr McCurry has admitted he got two major decisions wrong; decisions that arguably lost us points and possibly several hundred thousand pounds. We feel he got considerably more wrong.

"And yet, the SFA have chosen to criticise only me for voicing criticism of the ref's decisions and made it clear they will not accept such criticism.

"Surely it is the incompetence on the part of one of their key figures that should be questioned and examined by them, with the individual being called to account. This at least might ensure a deterrent against future incompetence. It is also perhaps time to look at fresh initiatives to overcome any perceived bias or external influence behind decision-making.

"Maybe, therefore, we should now pay referees what they are worth to the game and make it a career rather than a part-time hobby."

McCurry, a Baptist minister, describes refereeing as "a hobby" and admits he would not be interested in turning pro in his profile on the SFA website.

Levein added: "I'd stress this is not an attack on one referee.

"What I and many other people are unhappy about is an archaic system whereby there is no accountability for referees who make mistakes."

Meanwhile, Gretna stalwart Gavin Skelton hit a last-minute winner against Hearts in the Borders club's final SPL game last night.

Whether it is, in fact, their last EVER game still remains to be seen.

The deadline for an 11th-hour rescue bid has been set for Saturday by administrators Wilson Field.

Caretaker boss Mick Wadsworth said: "I've heard a whisper there is a package that has come together over the last few days.

"But I'm still in the dark. If the club survives it will be a fresh start."