Levein claims irony in cup defeat

Levein insisted that St Mirren's winning goal was offside

Dundee United manager Craig Levein said a mistake from an official proved the deciding factor in his side's elimination from the Scottish Cup.

Levein was adamant St Mirren's Craig Dargo was offside when he headed the ball into the path of Andy Dorman, who finished from close-range.

"It is a clear offside and it is a disappointment to have lost the game in that way," Levein said.

"The game has been decided on a mistake by an official, which is ironic."

Interview: Dundee United manager Craig Levein

The build-up to the fifth round replay had centred on the appointment of referee Alan Freeland.

St Mirren protested to the Scottish Football Association at the official's involvement.

The game has been decided on a mistake by an official, which is pretty ironic. Dundee United manager Craig Levein

The Paisley club are believed to have taken issue with comments allegedly directed to them by Freeland when he was the fourth official during a game with Falkirk 10 months ago.

Freeland had not taken charge of a St Mirren game since, but was awarded Wednesday's tie when Mike McCurry, who handled the goalless draw between the sides on 2 February, was unavailable.

In the end Levein had no problems with Freeland's performance, but insisted assistant referee Craig Young made the wrong call in allowing Dorman's goal to stand.

"I don't think we were at our best but I still think we did enough to at least get into extra-time," Levein continued.

"It wasn't the referee after all of the pressure that was on him, but you just wonder if additional pressure in that room has maybe had an affect on them."

"I thought the referee was okay and I am not in the habit of criticising officials as I have done all of that in the past," Levein added.

"I don't do it anymore, but people will bring it up because it was one of the talking points before the game.

"It was an offside goal, but these things happen in football."