Cristian Montano heads in from close range SNS

Montano's headed goal was eventually ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR delay

At a glance

  • United finish top of bottom six after drab goalless draw

  • Both sides miss plethora of chances in low-quality contest

  • Relegated Livingston have goal ruled out and penalty award overturned

Dundee Utd v Livingston highlights

12/05/26

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Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

Dundee United will finish top of the Scottish Premiership's bottom six after completing their home campaign with a goalless draw against relegated Livingston.

VAR Steven McLean was again at the centre of attention, ruling out a header by Livingston's Cristian Montano for offside, then summoning referee Grant Irvine to the screen, leading to the visitors' having a penalty award overturned.

The latter decision proved to be the correct one, with substitute Joshua Zimmerman booked for simulation after the video evidence was reviewed.

With their fates already determined, both sides showed a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal in a low-quality contest.

United's Neil Farrugia had a one-on-one opportunity well saved by Livi keeper Jerome Prior, while Stevie May rattled the upright with a close-range effort.

But the reality of the night was that both sides showed why they are where they are in the league.

Graphic

Analysis: Not much to savour in poor game

Sometimes, games like this can produce goalfests. That was not the case here. A handshake and an agreement to call it a draw might have been more worthwhile.

There is a feeling both these sides will look quite different next season.

United were looking for green shoots, and young defender Sam Cleall-Harding got a start and teenagers Owen Stirton and Scott Constable appeared off the bench.

There was also a first start for 36-year-old Johnny Russell at Tannadice in 13 years. Unfortunately, he couldn't get the goal he was desperate for, with his short-term contract up in the summer.

The reality is, after the high of the Dundee derby, it has been a series of lows for United. Three games without a goal or win and booed off by the fans here.

It's hard to judge this Livingston side. With 15 draws, they've only lost one game more than eighth-placed Aberdeen.

Interim boss Scott Arfield encouraged his side to have fun and they were entertaining in parts, but lacked quality in the box. Just as they have all season.

With so many out of contract, and no permanent manager on the horizon, who knows what will happen this summer. Only chairman Calvin Ford has the answers.

What the managers said

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "I think we made hard work of it at times and we rode our luck in the first half, so we can't have too many arguments.

"The main positive that we'll take from the night is obviously that we've managed to secure that seventh place.

"It's way short of what we would expect but, we know what we need to do in the summer. Hopefully we'll be more competitive for that top six next time around."

Livingston interim manager Scott Arfield: "I thought we were brilliant. On another day we walk away scoring at least one goal, never mind two or three.

"Maybe the shackles were off because you know your fate for next season. You probably have a wee bit more freedom and a wee bit more imagination.

"I've loved the last week. I've absolutely really enjoyed it. Whether it's a honeymoon period where it's a wee bit different, I don't know."

What's next for these sides?

Livingston host Kilmarnock on Sunday, while Dundee United travel to relegation play-off-bound St Mirren (both 14:00 BST).

Player of the match

A. Denholm
8.75
11 W. Ferry
5.65
77 J. Russell
5.18
5 V. Ševelj
5.06
6 R. Graham
4.89
37 S. Cleall-Harding
4.88
3 B. Esselink
4.65
25 D. Richards
4.53
2 R. Strain
4.53
9 Z. Sapsford
4.41
39 S. Constable
4.36
8 Panutche Camará
4.28
20 N. Farrugia
4.18
10 J. Eskesen
3.69
19 I. Dolček
3.62
14 C. Sibbald
3.31
34 O. Stirton
2.69
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