Aberdeen legend blasts Dundee United pitch invasion which led to Jack MacKenzie incident.

The former Dons defender was hit in the face by a seat thrown by his own fans after thousands of United fans flooded the ground to celebrate their final-day victory.

Aberdeen hero Willie Miller has criticised Dundee United for failing to prevent a pitch invasion that resulted in Jack MacKenzie’s catastrophic injury. On the last day of the Premiership season, the Dons were defeated 2-1 by Jim Goodwin’s team, securing fourth place and a spot in Europe.

Thousands of fans swarmed the Tannadice pitch to celebrate the victory, which Aberdeen soon reversed by winning the Scottish Cup, knocking United out of Europa League qualifying and relegating them to the Conference League. But among the sea of tangerine on the pitch were several Aberdeen players, and a seat thrown by the Dons fans struck Jack MacKenzie in the face, leaving him in a bloody heap on the turf. The defender, who has since left the Reds for Plymouth Argyle, required stitches and was photographed shortly after the incident with a terrible cut near his eye.

And the event has left Gothenburg Great Miller, who was at the stadium that afternoon, wondering why United permitted the pitch invasion to occur despite the euphoria felt by the home fans on the day. Miller told SPFL chief operating officer Calum Beattie on BBC Radio Scotland Sportsound: “Can I suggest anything, and I don’t want Dundee United fans to be too harsh on me. In my opinion, pitch invasions should be prohibited. I was there. “I’m sitting there, and United have done fantastic; they’ve qualified for Europe. But the gates were just opened, and nobody tried to stop the crowd from entering the pitch.

“Now, I’m not making an explanation for the person who tossed the seat. It struck Jack MacKenzie, and it could have been far worse. “At the same time, no one tried to keep Dundee United fans from covering the entire ground.

“Now, the Aberdeen players have every right to go to their fans and celebrate or recognise the fact that the fans have travelled down in large numbers. Sign up for our Aberdeen F.C newsletter to receive the latest stories, transfer news, and more in your inbox.

“They made their way over to where the Aberdeen players will celebrate with their supporters. There is no excuse for it [the seat flinging], but that is what happened. “For me, if you stop that pitch invasion, that will not happen. You don’t see it at Pittodrie, Ibrox, or Celtic Park. Why do some clubs just accept it?

“Other clubs also appear to be accepting it. I’d just like to see some sort of effort against accepting it.” Beattie said “it is difficult” and responded: “For what it’s worth I agree with that” .

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