Dark Blues fans write to SFA over referee

The Dundee Supporters’ Association have written to the country’s top two refereeing chiefs over the decision to put Steven McLean in charge of Saturday’s game with Kilmarnock at Dens.

The fans are angry that the official, who made the wrong call when he awarded a penalty to the visitors that ultimately secured all three points for Steve Clarke’s side, has strong connections with the Ayrshire club.

His father Stewart made more than 500 appearances for the Rugby Park side between 1974 and 1990.

For 12 of those years he was a team-mate of Paul Clarke, brother of the current Killie boss.

Now, the DSA has written to SFA head of referees’ committee chairman Willie Young and their head of refereeing, John Fleming.

DSA chairman Kenny Ross said: “Several of our members have contacted me to express their concerns over this and we think it’s only right to pass them on to the authorities.

“And I do think there is reason to question the validity of this appointment when the referee so clearly has family connections to Kilmarnock.

“If nothing else it puts him in a difficult position when you get a decision like Saturday’s.

“I know that Steven McLean’s brother Brian played for Dundee United, Ross County and a few other clubs and he was not allowed to take charge of games involving teams he was at.

“You would think the same common-sense approach could have been applied to his dad’s old team.”

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell was copied in when the letter was emailed and has promise a response will be given.