Heartbreak for Dundee United fans as top tier dream crushed

FOOTBALL: Hamilton put single goal past Tangerines to ensure Premiership survival

Almost 3,000 Dundee United fans were left heartbroken after watching their side fail to gain promotion back into the top tier of Scottish football yesterday.

Hamilton Academical FC’s New Douglas Park ground was a sea of tangerine and black as fans made the journey down from Tayside for the Scottish Premiership play-off final clash with the South Lanarkshire side.

The streets of Hamilton were full of the chants of United supporters in the run up to kick-off, with the electric atmosphere in the stadium culminating in some stirring renditions of fan favourite, Beautiful Sunday.

However following United’s 1-0 loss to the Accies, supporters had their say on what was a Sunday to forget.

Dundee teacher and United season ticket holder Amy Bremner, 32, said she was left “very disappointed”.

She added: “I just don’t think they did the occasion justice.

“I didn’t speak to a single person who was pessimistic about the match.

“We were all optimistic, we didn’t even think of this scenario so I don’t even know what to do with myself now.”

Occupational therapist Adam Devine, 34, said his team would be “top of the league” and would secure promotion next year, but that they had “messed it up” at Hamilton.

He added: “I think we tried really hard but we never really created that many chances.”

Jane Cargill attended the game with children Angus and Kirsty, both seven. She said: “I was really disappointed. “I think we need to regroup and see what happens. I think there is some exciting players coming through at United, and hopefully we can build on some of that progress we’ve made towards the end of this season.”

However she slammed one United fan who got into a verbal spat with veteran United defender Sean Dillon.

“Mostly I’m really disappointed with whoever the Dundee United fan was at the end who was shouting at Dillon.

“Dillon’s been a fantastic servant for the club, he doesn’t deserve that kind of disrespect.”

Pictures: Kris Miller. Dejected United fans at the full-time whistle.

A supporter holds her head in her hands as fellow fans make their way towards the exits.

Agony for fans at the ground and in the Snug Bar, Main Street, Dundee.