Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen has criticised the stewards at the Tannadice derby after he claimed he was verbally abused by Dundee fans.
Paatelainen was angered by some of the stick he says he received from some of the away support housed in the Jerry Kerr Stand.
He repeatedly complained to police and stewards about the treatment, and his emotions spilled over when Billy Mckay scored in injury-time for United to make it 2-2.
The Finn cupped his ears and smiled as he looked up to the seats above the dugout.
It all capped a remarkable afternoon on the touchline, with Dundee manager Paul Hartley also seeming to get involved in a bad-tempered exchange with United goalkeeping coach Stuart Garden as the sides left the field at half-time.
Paatelainen was asked what happened to upset him so much.
He replied: “Stewards not doing their job that was it. There were no stewards stopping the abuse that we were getting from Dundee supporters.
“There were Dundee supporters all above us. The stewards were having a chat in a group somewhere else and not doing their job.”
Asked if the abuse was purely verbal and not physical, he replied: “Totally. Thankfully you didn’t hear that because you are so soft that you would have got a blast.
“I can understand Dundee supporters giving us stick there’s no problem at all. That’s part and parcel of the game and I can handle that no worries at all.
“What I can’t understand is the stewards not doing their job.”
The shenanigans at the equaliser were then mentioned and he responded: “It was amazing how quiet they got at that stage.”
However, this could have serious implications for Paatelainen if the SFA or even the police get involved.
The Tannadice boss thinks that would be a step too far, saying: “Surely not I would be very surprised if something like that happened.
“It’s part and parcel of the game. It happens in football no worries at all. That’s behind us.
“Look, it was a draw, we got a point and it could be the most important point thanks very much.”
As for the action on the park, Paatelainen added: “If you want to talk about the game as well, what a spirited performance it was from our players!
“It was an exciting match and a proper derby. It must have been great to watch.”For more derby coverage and reaction, see Monday’s Courier