ABERDEEN midfielder Funso Ojo was sent off after a controversial incident involving a Dundee United fan yesterday.
Ojo, 30, was pushed by a Dundee fan as he tumbled over the hoardings and into the stands at Tannandice Park.
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Ojo was almost knocked off his feet and reacted angrily to the push, confronting the fan before being dragged away by his teammates.
The Dundee fans continued to hurl abuse at the player as he returned to the pitch, with one fan appeared to throw something at Ojo from the stands.
Dundee’s Charlie Mulgrew put his arm around Ojo in what appeared to be an attempt to calm him down.
But Ojo was nevertheless shown a second yellow card by referee Bobby Madden, leaving both sides with ten men each.
Dundee’s Calum Butcher had been sent off in the first half, and the home side eventually went on to win 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Ian Harkes.
Dundee made no comment about the altercation apart from to confirm that the club has launched an investigation into the incident.
Aberdeen boss Stephen Glass defender his player and called for more protection from players from fans in the future.
He said: “It shouldn’t happen. He didn’t go looking for the incident in the first place and has hopped the boards after the ball has run out of play.
“He is pushed but goes back towards the incident. I couldn’t see the depth of it at the time but now it actually looks less like he has gone back into the crowd.
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“The referee could protect the player a little bit rather than produce a second yellow. If he doesn’t go back towards it he doesn’t give the referee an opportunity.
“Any guy that is pushed in the chest to take two steps back towards it – I don’t know! But he gave the opportunity to produce a second yellow and they can do that.
“The referee chose to yellow card him and I can’t say too much other than that to be fair. I wasn’t surprised to see him get a red card.
“I didn’t really see it to be completely honest but there were just so many things going on on the pitch at that particular time and it needed me to be focused and clear.
“I was just starting to think about half-time. Make no bones about it. We were here for three points and three points alone today.”
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