SPL refs Iain Brines and Craig Thomson (left) were at Hampden

Scottish FA Referee Development Officer Hugh Dallas hopes the heat comes off officials after a summit at Hampden.

Managers, coaches and captains from every SPL club were invited to meet a selection of referees and encouraged to indulge in a frank exchange of views.

"I've got to say it was a very positive meeting," said former World Cup whistler Dallas.

"As long as their is an understanding that both sides respect each other then we will be halfway there."

The start to the season has been dominated by controversy involving referees, most notably Eddie Smith's decision to give Celtic a penalty in their opening-day win over St Mirren and Charlie Richmond's denial of a penalty for Dundee United in Sunday's draw with the champions.

"The referees have an important role to play and although people say the best referees are the ones that aren't seen, I think those days are gone because of the media coverage," added Dallas.

"From that point of view, all we ask is that the referees get the big decisions right.

I felt it was a big plus and it helped to clear the air Dundee Utd manager Craig Levein

"We have a good crew who they are an honest bunch but they make mistakes.

"However, there has to be an understanding that they will make mistakes and that the mistakes have got to be accepted.

"They asked if referees are accountable and we explained how they are accountable.

"There is an observer system and we analyse their marks at the end of the season and that decides where they will be placed the following season.

"But we are not going to hang any referee out to dry, that's not what we are designed for.

"Let's not forget, we've had the first two weeks of the season and we have looked at some magnificent games of football.

"The Dundee United versus Celtic game was a super game, as was Hamilton against Dundee United and Hearts versus Motherwell.

"But we have centred on two decisions and we have to centre on the positives rather than the negatives."

Dundee United manager Craig Levein, who was fined �5000 last week after criticising Mike McCurry for his display against Rangers last season, claimed the meeting was beneficial but believes they should take place more than once a season.

"I felt it was a big plus and it helped to clear the air," Levein told BBC Sport.

"It got a bit heated at times but I think that's a good thing.

"The whole idea is to build up a better understanding of the difficulties we face.

"I think the idea is great and there should be one at the beginning of the season and one in the middle, in case other hiccups or problems arise."

Levein revealed that Richmond had phoned him on Monday to explain why he hadn't awarded a penalty when Gary Caldwell had chopped down Roy O'Donovan.

"I didn't quite understand where he was coming from - but that's all right, I appreciated the call.

"Charlie's a good referee. He made one mistake not five."