Game halted after coin hits player

Aberdeen and Rangers look certain to be severely punished by the Scottish Premier League (SPL) after their warring fans had to be quelled by police in riot gear at Pittodrie last night.

Lorenzo Amoruso's stunning strike provided a 1-0 victory for Rangers, but the result was overshadowed by the trouble which erupted in the 27th minute after Aberdeen forward Robbie Winters was struck by one of a hail of coins from visiting supporters. That prompted a gang of Aberdeen fans to storm the visitors' section, where fights broke out, mirroring events earlier in the city.

Both teams were taken off the pitch during the 20-minute delay, and the SPL chief executive, Roger Mitchell, later said that the fixture should be given an early kick-off, as with Celtic-Rangers encounters, to curb drinking and the potential for trouble. "Future matches may have to have afternoon kick-offs, as with the Old Firm," Mitchell said, revealing that the long-standing enmity between the clubs had forced the police and Aberdeen to take extra security measures, which is why a riot squad responded so promptly.

"We were concerned about the potential for incident at this game," Mitchell said. "Despite the strenuous efforts of the police, we had to witness the actions of a mindless few which will sicken every true fan."

Amoruso had tried to calm the Rangers fans, but his was also the decisive influence in the game after the teams returned. The Italian produced a delightful feint in the 34th minute before thrashing a left-foot shot from 20 yards into the net.

There were also ugly scenes at Tannadice, where Dundee United took three points from their rivals Dundee with a last-minute goal by Jim McIntyre. An away supporter was escorted from the ground after invading the pitch, and missiles appeared to be thrown from a stand.

Livingston strengthened their Uefa Cup prospects by stretching their lead over the fourth-placed side, Hearts, to nine points with a fine 2-0 win.

Hearts' hopes were not helped by the sending-off of Alan Maybury after 33 minutes. The former Leeds defender cut down David Fernandez and then kicked the striker as he lay on the ground.

Livingston went in front when David Bingham headed in Philippe Brinquin's cross in 53 minutes. Fernandez then scored with a diving header, the former Deportivo La Coruña player's fourth goal against Hearts this season.

Hibernian threw away a two-goal lead at Easter Road against Kilmarnock to leave Franck Sauzée searching for his first League win as manager. Tommy Johnson scored Kilmarnock's first on his debut and Kevin McGowne made it 2-2 with an injury-time header.

Dunfermline repeated the 3-1 Cup scoreline from a fortnight ago against Motherwell, their goals coming from Andrius Skerla, Lee Bullen and Gary Mason.