ABERDEEN manager Craig Brown apologised to the club's fans for their first-half display in their 4-1 defeat to Celtic.
Goals from debutant Kris Commons, Charlie Mulgrew, Thomas Rogne and an Anthony Stokes penalty put Celtic four ahead inside 34 minutes before Scott Vernon pulled one back in the second half.
The Dons support came in large numbers and optimistic mood following their resurgence under Brown, but more than a few left before half-time, some throwing their scarves on to the track on their way.
Brown said: "The main message for me is an apology to the fans. We are as upset as they are but we are conscious of the fact it's costly for them to come here."
"We gave ourselves an impossible task. I think the first goal was fortunate, he looked as though he was trying to cross it.
"Then we didn't defend high balls and the penalty kick was a penalty kick. You can look at each goal and find fault, it was nothing to do with the shape."
Source: PA
Source: PA