McInnes plays peacemaker after Dons boss digs up O’Connor for his furious fan fallout

ANTHONY O’CONNOR’S angry reaction to a furious fan’s Instagram post after last weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final flop against Motherwell has landed him in hot water.

The Irishman, who featured for Aberdeen in midfield during the 3-0 thrashing by Motherwell, lashed out at criticism of the Dons and insisted that supporters of the club were “up there among the worst at getting behind their team”.

The response didn’t go down well with Reds fans and O’Connor, out of contract at the end of the season and likely to move on, was hauled in by gaffer Derek McInnes as a result.

McInnes said: “We have a social media policy and Anthony breached that.

“I’ve spoken to Anthony and it has been dealt with internally. He’s fully apologetic. After a game like the semi-final, where there is a lot of anger and frustration, it is easy to be reactive and react to criticism and comment.

“Anthony has praised our fans time and time again. He has apologised for what he has said.

“All our players are aware we have built up a great rapport with our support. In our time here

I have got to know a lot of the supporters through different events.

“We have a brilliant support and the players recognise that.

“Every single one of our players at some point has paid tribute to the loyalty of our fans and distance they need to travel to see their team. We can only achieve what we want to with everyone pulling in the right direction.”

McInnes will have skipper Graeme Shinnie, fellow midfielder Kenny McLean and full-back Shay Logan, who were all suspended for the Dons’ debacle at Hampden, back for the trip to Kilmarnock this afternoon, as they continue with their aim to take the runners-up spot in the Premiership.

The Reds are unbeaten in their last 19 games with the Rugby Park side with McInnes well aware of the cloud hanging over his side because of the disappointing cup exit against Motherwell.

He said: “There is a lot of anger and frustration among the supporters when you lose big games and a lot is expected. I understand that.

“We feel the full weight of that.

“I don’t think finishing second will take away that disappointment away but it is the next objective for us.

“We want to make the fans proud of the team and finishing second would be a big achievement but it is doesn’t dilute the disappointment of the semi-final.”