Aberdeen star left bloodied and bruised with 'serious facial injury' after being hit by seat thrown by team's own fans amid pitch invasion

Aberdeen lost 2-1 at Dundee United to finish fifth and one place below their opposition who now will enter the European qualification rounds next season - a feat which prompted a pitch invasion by the joyous home fans. In response, a number of objects were thrown by the Aberdeen fans, aimed at the United boss Jim Goodwin. One fan threw part of their seat from the top tier into the crowds of players, staff and fans on the pitch - hitting MacKenzie, their own player. The defender was left bloodied and bruised and left the pitch with his head bandaged.

Posting a statement on their club website, Aberdeen said: "The Club is dismayed and outraged at the scenes that unfolded following this afternoon’s Premiership tie with Dundee United at Tannadice Park.

"Our player, Jack MacKenzie, has sustained a serious facial injury after being struck by a part of a chair that was thrown towards the pitch.

"We await further information, but what we know for sure, the chair was thrown from the stand in which the Aberdeen supporters were being housed.

"As such, we are calling on all fans who may have witnessed this event to contact the Club to provide any information that may assist us in our investigations and wider discussions with the relevant authorities.

"When the perpetrator is identified, we will take the strongest possible action available to us."

The police have appealed for information and asked for any witnesses to contact them. The match commander, Superintendent Ray Birnie, said: "This was a mindless act which has seriously injured the player, resulting in him needing medical treatment.

"This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and I'd appeal to all fans to help us trace the person responsible.

"If you were in the Fair Play Stand and witnessed what happened, please do the right thing and come forward. I'd also urge anyone who has mobile phone footage to review it and bring anything of importance to our attention."

MacKenzie is set to receive further treatment following the injury and will continue to be assessed by medical staff. The club will take action against the fan who threw the chair once they have been identified. Aberdeen will not play again this season following the culmination of the season on Saturday.