POLICE are investigating alleged sectarian abuse directed at Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes by Celtic fans during Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final.
McInnes was sent to the stands after gesturing to opposition supporters as his side headed towards a 3-0 defeat in the 72nd minute of the game at Hampden Park.
In his post-match press conference, the Dons boss admitted he reacted with fury to sectarian chants of "sad orange b*****d" from sections of the Hoops faithful.
Police Scotland are now investigating the incident, the force confirmed this afternoon.
"I should be better than that," McInnes told journalists after the game.
"I let it go the first time. I didn't the second time, but it'll be interesting to see if everyone gets punished for me.
"I've heard the song hundreds of times sung at me and I haven't reacted. I think the frustration of the game has played a part in that."
The manager's reaction to today's match
READ ➡ https://t.co/47EhB0fcHf
WATCH ➡ https://t.co/SAnWjmk6vL#StandFree pic.twitter.com/sTbDduaSMa— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) 14 April 2019
McInnes, who played for Rangers as a midfielder between 1995 and 2000, also questioned the decision-making of the officials.
The 47-year-old added: "The fourth official deemed my reaction a red card offence. If it is it is, I'll take my punishment.
"The role of the fourth official sometimes is to give you a warning, a chance to let [referee] Craig Thomson know what I reacted to. But it fell on deaf ears.
"It'll be in the delegate's report, which is refreshing as it's not always in their report when they hear sectarian singing. It certainly wasn't in the last cup final.
"But that's not my fight. It's for others to condemn. For my part, I take responsibility for my own actions."
In a statement, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are aware of abuse aimed at Mr McInnes and we are carrying out an investigation."
Sunday's incident occurred as Aberdeen trailed to goals from James Forrest, Odsonne Edouard and substitute Tom Rogic – and with his defender Dominic Ball, midfielder Lewis Ferguson and assistant manager Tony Docherty all sent off.
