St Johnstone attacker Steven MacLean has accused Aberdeen of a lack of respect after their jubilant post-match celebrations sparked a bust-up in the tunnel after Thursday’s Betfred Cup quarter-final.
Adam Rooney scored in the 90th minute to win a tense match at Pittodrie – but emotions spilled over after the encounter.
In the immediate aftermath of the game, the St Johnstone players were unhappy at the loud music coming from the Aberdeen dressing room as their players celebrated setting up a semi-final match with Championship side Greenock Morton.
MacLean, who spent a short spell on loan at Aberdeen in 2010, said: “I have been beaten enough times in my career.
“Listen, there are ways to win and ways to lose and it is just a bit of respect.
“They were shouting and bawling and I don’t mind that but not when a dressing room door is open.
“I closed the door and they weren’t happy with that.
“We won 5-1 up here last season did you see us doing that? We beat them 3-0 at our place.
“We won a Scottish Cup final and never rubbed Dundee United’s noses in it.
“There are ways to win and lose.
“It will be something to tell the grandkids.
“You know we will probably see some of the Aberdeen boys when we have our Christmas party.
“It is a laugh. I have played up here and there are no dramas.
“There are ways to do it and ways not to do it.”
MacLean, however, believes his side will bounce back from the defeat when they take on Hamilton at New Douglas Park tomorrow.
He said: “Any game you lose late on is a sore one but we will be fine.
“We have strong characters in our dressing room and we have a lot of strong personalities and boys in there.
“There is quick turnaround on Sunday and if we can beat Hamilton then it will be a good start for us.
“We have a chance, depending on Saturday’s results, to go second or consolidate third.
“We will bounce back and hopefully we will have a good season.”