Dundee 1 Aberdeen 1: Controversial penalty relegates Dark Blues

Dundee’s relegation from the SPL has been confirmed after the Dark Blues were unable to register a victory against Aberdeen.

John Brown’s men’s brave bid to avoid the drop was still possible after relegation rivals St Mirren were beaten by Hearts on Saturday, meaning a win for the home side at Dens would keep their fight alive.

However, despite going ahead through Jim McAlister in the first half, there was heartbreak after the interval when Niall McGinn converted a controversial penalty on 70 minutes.

Dundee boss Brown said: “The referee’s made a diabolical decision. It’s our livelihoods, people forget that. And that (penalty) decision just leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

“I could see from half a pitch away that it was never a penalty.”

He continued: “Although it’s a draw and it’s taken us down, I can’t ask for any more from my players.”

Brown, who was last week given a two-year deal to stay on as manager at Dens, added: “I’m very bitter at the moment because those guys in the dressing room gave me everything and they deserve better from the officials.”

For full coverage from Dens Park, see Monday’s Courier or try our digital edition.