LAST weekend we had further irrefutable evidence of the near epidemic of refereeing incompetence that is now regularly and materially distorting the outcomes of Scottish football matches.

I think all fans who are not of the Old Firm persuasion will find it hard not to support Craig Levein, though, like him, we will recognise that taking on the notoriously pro-Old Firm establishment will achieve little other than lightening his bank balance.

Lest the usual cynics think this is some form of subliminal anti-Rangers rant, I should point out that my own team, Aberdeen, had a result-changing goal' disallowed against Celtic a few weeks ago, and another at an important time at Motherwell on Saturday.

I am prepared (just) to accept that the incidents involving Aberdeen were due to sheer incompetence rather than conspiracy, but surely that's bad enough and more evidence of a situation that needs to be investigated and action taken now in the hope of some improvement next season. I can, though, see why some of Dundee United's grievances could be interpreted as more than just incompetence.

B Donald, by email

Yes, Mike McCurry had a howler on Saturday . . . but legal action? Get a grip, Eddie. I'm sure that Dundee United have had several dreadful decisions go against them this year (as has every other club - yes, Craig, even Rangers), but the only ones Mssrs Thompson and Levein seem to shout about are when they have played against the Old Firm.

Craig Thomson made a similar mistake at Fir Park on Saturday when the stakes were just as high for Aberdeen. I don't, however, hear anyone up there calling for legal action against him. Or against the linesman who denied them another goal at (whisper it) Parkhead, a couple of weeks ago.

David Young, Glasgow

Craig Levein was right to criticise Mike McCurry's performance in Saturday's match at Ibrox. Normally, referees are accused of inconsistency; this does not apply in Mr McCurry's case. He is a model of consistency when Rangers are concerned: all his important, controversial decisions are to the advantage of the Ibrox club.

Neil J McDermott, by email