Derek McInnes launched an incredible attack on Bulgarian referee Nikola Popov after Aberdeen’s 1-0 defeat from Maribor.
The defeat meant that the Dons went out on a 2-1 aggregate leaving Celtic as the only SPFL side left in Europe.
McInnes’ outburst seems certain to land him in trouble with UEFA with the Aberdeen boss crossing the line with direct criticism questioning the competency of Popov.
A comment that ‘I don’t think you see that decision in any other country’ seems certain to be questioned by UEFA..
A freak own goal from Andy Shinnie meant that Aberdeen lost out but after the match it was the referee who was the subject of McInnes’ anger after his ten men crashed out with Jayden Stockley red carded.
“The referee was really poor tonight,” the Aberdeen boss stated. “Football is a contact sport. Right from the outset he blew his whistle at the slightest moment of contact. It never allowed any flow to the game.
“I thought the sending off was ridiculous. I don’t think you see that decision in any other country. Stockley is just trying to use his arms for leverage at the second booking. There is no movement with the elbow.
“We were frustrated at the penalty award. I think the referee should have allowed (Niall) McGinn to carry on and put the ball in the net. He was very quick to blow.
“You could say the Rooney penalty miss is defining but we still had to overcome the officials. I think the officials played the biggest part in all the defining moments tonight.
“I thought the result was very harsh on my team. I thought we had a lot of good play.”